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:
Depression 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.
True 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.
Treatment 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
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.
Adolescents with additional psychiatric problems usually require longer and more intensive treatment.
There 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!
Periods 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:
Depression - adolescents; Teenage depression