Depression Learning

Teenage Depression

Teenage depression is an unbiased disease that affects about 20 per cent of all teens regardless of gender, social background, family income level, and race. Nor are teenage depression limited or affected by geographic locations or schools. It is known that girls tend to be affected more by depression than boys but it is also known that boys are less likely to seek help or even admit to depression. Girls are taught to be more open and discuss their problems where boys are still taught from an early age to deal with things themselves.

Teen depression symptoms are quite similar to adult depression but also may include a few more symptoms more common to their age groups such as:

Irrational anger and irritability that is often just put down as a child having a rebellious nature or wanting to prove themselves

Unexplained aches and pains that fail to respond to treatments

Extreme sensitivity to criticism, often considered as being too moody or cranky and in the case of over achievers this is especially prominent

Withdrawal from friends and social gatherings or in some cases switching to social groups that are contrary to what they would normally choose

Effects

If teenage depression is allowed to go to long without being treated it can lead to some very unhealthy and possibly even disastrous effects. Some of these may include:

Attempts or threats of running away which are often a plea for help or intervention in a world they don’t understand

Drug and alcohol abuse – this is often an attempt at self medication but all too often just complicate the depression

Eating disorders – such disorders as anorexia or bulimia are often a major side affect of teenage depression when teens try new ways to fit in

Addiction to computers and the internet is a more modern effect when teens try to reach out to belong but actually increase their isolation from the real world

Cutting or burning is also a possible effect when self injury is also used perhaps also as a cry for attention

Reckless behavior or violent behavior can have a deep effect on not only the teens life but on those around him or her

Suicide is probably the worst of the effects and talk of or attempted suicides should never be ignored.

When a diagnosis is finally made by medical professional, parents should then discuss with the practitioners what will be the best treatment option to take. One on one talk therapy, group therapy or a combination of one of them with medications such as antidepressants. These though can have such severe side effects that antidepressants should only be used as a last resort. Recently the US Food and Drug Administration deemed that antidepressants must carry a black block warning due to the possibility that these medications may increase the risk of suicide.

While a teen is being treated for teenage depression he will need parents, family and friend support more than ever. The knowledge that they are loved, valued and needed goes a long way in affecting a cure.

Related Depression Posts

• Teenage Depression
• Depression Side Effects
• What is Depression?
• Top 15 Things that Increase the Risk of Depression in Women
• Top 5 Teen Depression Reasons
• Stress and anxiety
• Depression Test