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Teenage / Adolescent Depression.
Depression in teenagers is their third most common mental health problem in the United States. Teenagers / adolescents (ages 12 to 20) are currently experiencing depression rates as high as twelve percent.
Adolescence is the period of transition between childhood and adulthood and it is a period of many changes. Physical changes, emotional changes, intellectual changes and social changes are some of the challenges facing teens. It is a period where the adolescent must adapt and integrate into society. It is also the time when an individual establishes his or her own identity.
Risk Factors for Teen Depression.
The adolescent period is a vulnerable time for teenagers and the development of depression. Teens experience many conflicts and emotional trials during their journey to adulthood. This period is characterized by some of the following:
- self-consciousness.
- difficulty developing self-esteem.
- social rejection.
- concerns about their body.
- development of sexual identity and behavior.
- value conflicts with parents.
- family turmoil.
- mood swings.
- relationship problems.
- peer group pressure.
- academic pressure.
- availability of alcohol and drugs.
Why is Teenage Depression Increasing ?
There are many explanations why teenage depression is increasing every year. Although some researchers claim biological, genetic, environmental, or psychological factors are primary causes, others feel that the basic causes are rooted in societal changes. More specifically, they argue that society is not providing the basic needs of young people. Such needs include companionship, goals for life, goals for health, responsibility, and meaningful relationships. In addition, they argue that society has taught young people that there is great importance attached to what you have and how you look, rather than what you do, achieve or contribute.
Teenage Depression and Suicide.
Depending on which study you read, teenage suicide is now the third or fourth cause of death for teenagers. Suicide among teenagers and young adults has more than tripled in the last thirty years. Approximately 90% of the teenagers that committed suicide had a diagnosable mental illness - usually depression. Sadly, much of this is preventable.
More teenagers are becoming depressed and they are experiencing "deeper" or more serious levels of depression. Usually these individuals feel that they are under intense pressure and are unable to change or escape their situation. They feel powerless and at their young age, do not have the "experiences of life" to find a solution. They do not realize that most situations will get better with time.
Teenage suicide is preventable. If you know of a teenager that is thinking about or discussing suicide, get professional help now. The following link contains help information about suicide prevention.
Treatment. Antidepressants for Adolescent Depression ?
If you or a teacher has become worried about how your teenager's behavior has changed, then a visit(s) to qualified health care professionals is warranted. If physical symptoms are not to be found, then the doctor may suggest a visit with a psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker.
Sometimes treatment includes psychological counseling and the use of antidepressant drugs. Although many doctors support the use of these drugs and claim effectiveness, there is considerable debate among the experts about their use and long-term effects. Those doctors that argue against the use of antidepressants in adolescents claim that effectiveness is not proven. In addition, they stress that antidepressant drugs should not be given to children because the brain's frontal lobes continue to develop until the age of 20.
Other experts emphasize that adolescents should be taught a new way of thinking and reasoning about themselves and about life. They claim these new skills can help lift depression and help prevent relapses.
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