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. Everyone experiences some unhappiness, often as a result of a change, either in the form of a setback or a loss, or simply, as Freud said, "Everyday misery." The painful feelings that accompany these events are usually appropriate and temporary, and can even present an opportunity for personal growth and improvement. However, when sadness persists and impairs daily life, it may be an indication of a depressive disorder it comes to no surprise to discover that adolescent depression is strongly linked to teen suicide. Adolescent suicide is now responsible for more deaths in youths aged 15 to 19 than cardiovascular disease or cancer. Despite this increased suicide rate, depression in this age group is greatly underdiagnosed and leads to serious difficulties in school, work and personal adjustment which may often continue into adulthood
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS The causes of depression are not fully known. Most likely a combination of genetic, biologic, and environmental factors play a role. Depression can occur in children of all ages, although adolescents have the highest risk. Risk factors for depression in young people include having parents with depression, particularly if it is the mother who is depressed. Early negative experiences and exposure to stress, neglect, or abuse also pose a risk for depression. Adolescents who have depression are at significantly higher risk for substance abuse, recurring depression, and other emotional and mental health problems in adulthood. Studies suggest that 3 - 5% of children and adolescents suffer from clinical depression, and 10 - 15% have some depressive symptoms
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH ADOLESCENT DEPRESSION Depression can change the way teenagers see themselves, their lives, and the people around them. Teenagers who are depressed usually see everything
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS The causes of depression are not fully known. Most likely a combination of genetic, biologic, and environmental factors play a role. Depression can occur in children of all ages, although adolescents have the highest risk. Risk factors for depression in young people include having parents with depression, particularly if it is the mother who is depressed. Early negative experiences and exposure to stress, neglect, or abuse also pose a risk for depression. Adolescents who have depression are at significantly higher risk for substance abuse, recurring depression, and other emotional and mental health problems in adulthood. Studies suggest that 3 - 5% of children and adolescents suffer from clinical depression, and 10 - 15% have some depressive symptoms
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH ADOLESCENT DEPRESSION Depression can change the way teenagers see themselves, their lives, and the people around them. Teenagers who are depressed usually see everything
References: Times Health Guide - Adolescent Depression 2013 Retrieved from http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/adolescent depression/overview.html#Symptoms Mayo Clinic - Tween and teen health Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/teen-depression/MY00937 American Family Physician - Childhood and Adolescent Depression Retrieved fromhttp://www.aafp.org/afp/2007/0101/p73.html