Teenage Depression

Occasional melancholy, bad moods and sort periods of feeling down are common in adolescence. Major depression, however, limits an adolescent's ability to function normally. Depression in teenagers is characterized by a persistent sad mood, irritability, feelings of hopelessness or the inability to feel pleasure or happiness for an extended period of time weeks, months or years.

The statistics on teen depression are sobering. Studies indicate that one in five children have some sort of mental, behavioral, or emotional problem, and that one in ten may have a serious emotional problem. Among adolescents, one in eight may suffer from depression. Of all these children and teens struggling with emotional and behavioral problems, a mere 30% receive any sort of intervention or treatment. Brown University reported in 2002 that many parents simply do not recognize the symptoms of depression in their children and thus get no help.

Symptoms

changes in eating and sleeping habits
significant weight gain or loss
missed school, poor school performance and/or sudden decline in grades
withdrawal from friends and family
no longer enjoying activities that were once pleasurable
indecision, lack of concentration, or forgetfulness
feelings of worthlessness or guilt
overreaction to criticism, irritability
feeling that nothing is worth the effort
frequent health complaints when no physical ailments exist
anger, rage anxiety
lack of enthusiasm and motivation
drug/alcohol abuse, thoughts of death or suicide

Symptoms such as insomnia, panic attacks, delusions or hallucinations can indicate extreme depression, with particular risk of suicide.

Treatment

Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on the causes of the depression and helps change negative thought patterns.
Group therapy is often very helpful for teens, because it breaks down the feelings of isolation that many adolescents experience.
Family therapy as an adjunct to individual therapy can address patterns of communication and ways the family can restructure itself to support each member, and can help the teenager feel like others share the responsibility for what happens in the family.
Physical exercise is helpful in lifting depression, as it causes the brain's chemistry to create more endorphins and serotonin, which change mood.
Creative expression through drama, art or music is often a positive outlet for the strong emotions of adolescents.
Volunteer work is sometimes helpful for adolescents. Helping someone else whose problems are greater than one's own offers a perspective and also an opportunity to be helpful, which can increase one's sense of purpose and meaning.
Medication for depression should be used with great caution, and only under careful supervision. Not all psychiatric drugs are appropriate for teenagers.
Hospitalization may be necessary in situations where a teen needs constant observation and care to prevent self-destructive behavior. This should include both counseling and medications.
Residential Treatment Centers and Specialty Schools are sometimes recommended for troubled teens. These alternatives are intended to help adolescents learn coping skills, develop confidence, learn to trust and work with other, improve academics and/or deal with negative behaviors.