Adolescent depression is a disorder that occurs during the teenage years, and involves ongoing sadness, discouragement, loss of self-worth, and loss of interest in usual activities.
See also:
Alternative NamesDepression - adolescents; Teenage depression
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsDepression can be a temporary response to many situations and stresses. In adolescents, depressed mood is common because of:
It may also be a reaction to a disturbing event, such as:
Adolescents who have low self-esteem, are highly self-critical, and who feel little sense of control over negative events are particularly at risk to become depressed when they experience stressful events.
Adolescent girls are twice as likely as boys to experience depression. A family history of depression makes children more likely to have depression.
Events or situations over which a child or adolescent feels little control can cause depression:
Many adolescents with depression may also have:
Overall, depression can change or distort the way adolescents see themselves and their lives, as well as the people around them. Adolescents with depression usually see everything more negatively, and are unable to imagine that any problem or situation can be solved in a positive way.
Some or all of these symptoms of depression may be present:
Sometimes there may be changes in behavior or new problems at home or at school when there are no signs or symptoms of depression or sadness:
If these symptoms last for at least 2 weeks and cause significant distress or difficulty functioning, get treatment.
Signs and testsTrue depression in teens is often difficult to diagnose, because normal adolescents have both up and down moods. These moods may alternate over a period of hours or days.
Sometimes when they are asked directly, children or adolescents will say that they aren't happy or sad. Health care providers should always ask children or adolescents about symptoms of depression.
They will perform a physical examination and order blood tests to rule out medical causes for the symptoms. The doctor will also evaluate for signs of substance abuse. Heavy drinking, frequent marijuana (pot) smoking, and other drug use can be caused by, or occur because of depression.
A psychiatric evaluation will also be done to document the teen's history of sadness, irritability, and loss of interest and pleasure in normal activities. The doctor will look for signs of other psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, mania, or schizophrenia. A careful assessement will help determine the risks of suicide or homicide -- that is, whether the teen is a danger to him or herself or others.
Information from family members or school personnel can often help identify depression in teenagers.
TreatmentTreatment options for adolescents with depression include supportive care from a medical provider, talk therapy, and possibly antidepressant medications. It is important that treatment be tailored to the adolescent and the severity of his or her symptoms. Families often participate in the treatment of adolescent depression.
MEDICATION
The first medication tried is usually a type of antidepressant called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). Fluoxetine (Prozac) and escitalopram (Lexapro) are the only ones FDA-approved for treating major depression in adolescents (ages 12 - 17). Fluoxetine is also approved for children age 8 and older.
NOTE: SSRIs and other antidepressants carry a warning that they may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in children and adolescents. Other evidence about these drugs has not showed that antidepressants increase suicide risk in children.
Doctors are still prescribing SSRIs and other antidepressant medications to adolescents with depression. Several important facts about taking any antidepressants include:
Not all antidepressants are approved for use in children and teens. For example, tricyclics are not approved for use in teens.
TALK THERAPY
Almost all adolescents with depression benefit from some type of talk therapy. They should understand that talk therapy is a good place to talk about their feelings and concerns, and most importantly, to learn ways to deal with them.
Types of talk therapy include:
Occasionally, people with severe depression, or those who are suicide risks may need to be hospitalized in a psychiatric unit.
Important knowledge, skills, and lifestyle changes for adolescents to learn include:
See also: Electroconvulsive therapy
Expectations (prognosis)Depressive episodes usually respond to treatment. Early and appropriate treatment of depression in adolescence may prevent further episodes. However, about half of seriously depressed teens are likely to have continued problems with depression as adults.
ComplicationsAdolescents with additional psychiatric problems usually require longer and more intensive treatment.
Calling your health care providerThere are numbers you can call from anywhere in the United States, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-999-9999.
Call your health care provider right away if you notice one or more of these suicide warning signs:
See: Suicide and suicidal behavior for more information
Call your health care provider if you notice:
NEVER IGNORE A SUICIDE THREAT OR ATTEMPT!
PreventionPeriods of depressed mood are common in most adolescents. However, supportive relationships and healthy coping skills can help prevent these periods from leading to more severe depressive symptoms. Open communication with your teen can help identify depression earlier.
Make sure teens get professional help to deal with periods of low mood. Early identification and prompt and appropriate treatment of depression may prevent or postpone further episodes.
In homes with adolescents:
US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening and treatment for major depressive disorder in children and adolescents: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. Pediatrics. 2009;123:1223-1228.
Zuckerbrot RA, Cheung AH, Jenson PS, Stein REK. Identification, assessment, and initial management guidelines for adolescent depression in primary care. Pediatrics. 2007;120:e1299-e1312.
Cheung AH, Zuckerbrot RA, Jenson PS, Ghalib K. Treatment and ongoing management guidelines for adolescent depression in primary care. Pediatrics. 2007;120:e1313-e1326.
Bostic JQ, Prince JB. Child and adolescent psychiatric disorders. In: Stern TA, Rosenbaum JF, Fava M, Biederman J, Rauch SL, eds. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2008:chap 69.
Antidepressant Medications for Children and Adolescents: Information for Parents and Caregivers. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). January 13, 2010. Accessed January 13, 2010.
Adolescent depression is a serious mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, feelings of worthlessness, and changes in sleep and appetite. It can significantly impact academic performance, social relationships, and overall well-being. Early identification and intervention, such as therapy and support from family and mental health professionals, are crucial in effectively managing adolescent depression.
Adolescent depression is a disorder that affects teenagers. It leads to sadness, discouragement, and a loss of self-worth and interest in their usual activities.
See also:
Alternative NamesDepression - adolescents; Teenage depression
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsDepression can be a response to many situations and stresses. In teenagers, depressed mood is common because of:
It may also be a reaction to a disturbing event, such as:
Teens who are most likely to become depressed when they experience stressful events:
Adolescent girls are twice as likely as boys to experience depression. A family history of depression also puts teenagers at greater risk.
The following events or situations can cause depression:
Many adolescents with depression may also have:
Depression can change the way teenagers see themselves, their lives, and the people around them. Teenagers who are depressed usually see everything more negatively. They can't imagine that any problem or situation can be solved in a positive way.
Some or all of these symptoms of depression may be present:
Sometimes a person's behavior may change, or there may be problems at home or school without any symptoms of depression:
If these symptoms last for at least 2 weeks and affect your mood or ability to function, get treatment.
Suicide is a risk for all teenagers with depression. See: Suicide and suicidal behavior for more information on how to recognize and treat suicidal feelings.
Signs and testsTrue depression in teens is often difficult to diagnose, because normal teenagers have up and down moods. These moods may go back and forth over a period of hours or days.
Sometimes when children or adolescents are asked, they will say that they aren't happy or sad. Health care providers should always ask children or adolescents about symptoms of depression.
The health care provider will perform a physical examination and order blood tests to rule out medical causes for the symptoms. The doctor will also check for signs of substance abuse. The following can cause, or occur because of depression:
The health care provider will also check:
Information from family members or teachers can often help identify depression in teenagers.
TreatmentTreatment options for adolescents with depression include:
Treatment should be tailored to the teenager, and the symptoms. Families often help in treating adolescent depression.
MEDICATION
The first medication tried is usually a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Fluoxetine (Prozac) and escitalopram (Lexapro) are the only SSRIs approved for treating major depression in adolescents (ages 12 - 17). Fluoxetine is also approved for children age 8 and older.
NOTE: SSRIs and other antidepressants carry a warning that they may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in children and adolescents. Other evidence has not showed that these drugs increase suicide risk in children.
Doctors are still prescribing SSRIs and other antidepressant medications to adolescents with depression. Several important facts about taking any antidepressants include:
Not all antidepressants are approved for use in children and teens. For example, tricyclic antidepressants are not approved for use in teens.
TALK THERAPY
Almost all adolescents with depression benefit from some type of talk therapy. Talk therapy is a good place to talk about their feelings and concerns, and to learn ways to deal with them.
Types of talk therapy include:
Sometimes people with severe depression, or those who are suicide risks may need to stay in the hospital for treatment.
Adolescents with depression should learn to:
Depression usually responds to treatment. Getting the right treatment as early as possible may prevent further episodes. However, about half of very depressed teens will keep having problems with depression as adults.
ComplicationsAdolescents with other mental health problems usually need longer and more intensive treatment.
Calling your health care providerThere are numbers you can call from anywhere in the United States, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-999-9999.
Call your health care provider right away if you notice one or more of these suicide warning signs:
See: Suicide and suicidal behavior for more information
Call your health care provider if you notice:
NEVER IGNORE A SUICIDE THREAT OR ATTEMPT!
PreventionMost teenagers feel down sometimes. Having support and good coping skills can help prevent these periods of sadness from leading to more severe depression. Talking openly with your teen can help identify depression early.
Make sure your teen gets professional help to deal with periods of low mood. Identifying and treating depression early may prevent or delay episodes.
In homes with adolescents:
US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening and treatment for major depressive disorder in children and adolescents: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. Pediatrics. 2009;123:1223-1228.
Zuckerbrot RA, Cheung AH, Jenson PS, Stein REK. Identification, assessment, and initial management guidelines for adolescent depression in primary care. Pediatrics. 2007;120:e1299-e1312.
Cheung AH, Zuckerbrot RA, Jenson PS, Ghalib K. Treatment and ongoing management guidelines for adolescent depression in primary care. Pediatrics. 2007;120:e1313-e1326.
Bostic JQ, Prince JB. Child and adolescent psychiatric disorders. In: Stern TA, Rosenbaum JF, Fava M, Biederman J, Rauch SL, eds. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2008:chap 69.
Antidepressant Medications for Children and Adolescents: Information for Parents and Caregivers. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). January 13, 2010. Accessed January 13, 2010.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 03/29/2011
Fred K. Berger, MD, Addiction and Forensic Psychiatrist, Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Teenagers are typically moody. They can go from upbeat to moping in a matter of seconds. It's normal for teens to feel sad from time to time, but when that sadness sticks around day after day, it could be depression. Let's talk about adolescent depression.
Teens have a lot of pressures in their lives that can lead to depression. They're growing physically, and dealing with a new surge of hormones. They're fighting for more independence from their parents while trying to figure out their place in the world. Some kids are bullied at school or abused at home. Others are faced with major life changes, like their parents' divorce or the loss of a loved one.
Kids who are very critical of themselves or who have low self-esteem are more likely to get depressed. Those with learning disorders, ADHD, or anxiety are also more prone to depression.
So, how do you know that your teen is depressed? Look for signs like: irritability, fatigue, trouble eating, sleeping, or concentrating, teens who are depressed may start using drugs or alcohol, their attitude changes... once good kids may start misbehaving, missing curfews and acting up to their parents and teachers. Also, their grades may drop and they may spend more time alone in their room.
If these symptoms go on for at least two weeks, have your teen seen by a doctor. When left untreated, depression can increase the risk for suicide.
Start with a visit to your family doctor, a psychologist, or a psychiatrist. The doctor will tailor treatment to your teen.
Often treatment includes medicine, usually a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI. Examples are Prozac and Lexapro. Adolescents who are on these drugs need to be watched very carefully for side effects, like nervousness, irritability, and suicidal thoughts or actions.
Most teens with depression feel better if they talk to someone. Meeting with a therapist can help them identify the negative thoughts that are causing their depression, and turn those thoughts around. Teens may meet with a therapist alone, with their family, or as part of a support group.
Depression can affect every aspect of your teen's life, from school to relationships. Teens who are depressed are more likely to start using drugs or alcohol.
Antidepressants and talk therapy can be very good at relieving depression. So if you suspect your teen is depressed, talk about it, and ask for help from a doctor or therapist you trust.
Most important, call for help right away if you're afraid your teen might be thinking about suicide. Signs include giving away possessions, talking about hurting themselves, and pulling away from family and friends. Any suicidal thoughts need immediate medical attention.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 10/25/2011
Alan Greene, MD, Author and Practicing Pediatrician; also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Between 3-10% of adolescents are depressed. Depression is more common in adolescent females than it is in adolescent males.
An adolescent is a teenager and child psychiatrist's are very important to help children that need help, have depression etc.
William Michael Reynolds has written: 'RADS-2, Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale' -- subject(s): Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale 'Reynolds depression screening inventory' -- subject(s): Handbooks, manuals, Reynolds Depression Screening Inventory 'HDI -- Hamilton Depression Inventory' -- subject(s): Diagnosis, Hamilton Depression Inventory, Handbooks, manuals, Mental Depression
Dawn A Obeidallah has written: 'Adolescent girls' -- subject(s): Depression in adolescence, Mental health, Teenage girls, Female juvenile delinquents
Denise Nami Morita has written: 'Accuracy of emotion recognition in depressed conduct disordered adolescents' -- subject(s): Depression in children, Adolescent psychology
Gerhardt Nissen has written: 'Verfahren der Psychotherapie' 'Depressive Syndrome im Kindes- und Jugendalter' -- subject(s): Adolescent psychopathology, Child psychopathology, Depression in children
Some adolescences can become depressed either from genetics (parents or relatives in their family that suffer from depression); a poor environment at home; peer pressure at school or from groups of so-called friends; street drugs or even some prescribed medications; social pressure from the media; low self esteem; being lonely and of course the head of the ugly beast can be the hormonal changes surging through the adolescence.
Depression-screening.org has a good depression screener. Mayoclinc.com has a good depression self-assessment. Where can you find and online depression test? You can find online depression test all over the internet. I would suggest using www.everydayhealth.com/depression.
The Great Depression
Depression is capitalized in phrases such as The Great Depression, but the medical condition and the scientific are not.
First of all, apathy can be a symptom of depression. Depression is a potentially fatal illness, since depressed people sometimes commit suicide. Second, there is a school of thought that apathy is abnormal, and a manifestation of suppressed anger. For example, the adolescent who responds to every question, "I don't care", probably cares a great deal, but is just very angry inside. The negative energy behind this suppressed anger could easily burst out in a destructive manner.
The grea depression