Main Causes Of Teenage Depression

Causes Of Depression In Teenagers

One in six people are adolescents aged 10-19 years. The teenage period of life is a unique and formative time, when physical, emotional and social changes are made. However, this period is also where exposure to poverty, abuse, and violence can make teenagers vulnerable to mental health problems. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, around 3.2 million teenagers aged 12 to 17 had one major depressive episode in 2017. Here are the five main causes of depression in teenagers:

1. School demands

Demands of high school and advancing education may lay heavy on the minds of young adolescents, causing great stress. Adolescents can develop a sense of worthlessness and inadequacy over their grades in school. If school performance is overly emphasized, this leaves a long-lasting effect on the adolescents self-esteem. They may have reduced coping skills to deal with the increased responsibilities and end up feeling angry and frustrated, even at minor things.

2. Seasons of change and transition

Adolescence is a period of many changes. It is a transition to a more independent and unfamiliar life. It is also a period of a lot of mental, social, and physical changes where your mind, body, and brain are going through a major evolution. These changes may become overwhelming and you may become irritable because of them, losing interest in activities which previously gave you much joy.

3. Identity crises

4. Substance use and abuse

5. Environmental exposures

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants. Theyre preferred because they tend to have fewer side effects.

SSRIs work on the neurotransmitter serotonin. SSRIs prevent the body from absorbing serotonin so it can be more effectively used in the brain.

Current SSRIs approved by the Food and Drug Administration include:

Most SSRIs have only been approved for use in adults. However, fluoxetine has received FDA approval for youth with MDD who are 8 years old and up. Escitalopram has received FDA approval for youth with MDD who are at least 12 years old.

The most common side effects reported with SSRIs include:

• sexual problems

All youth who are taking antidepressants should be monitored for potential side effects. Talk to a doctor if the side effects are interfering with your teens quality of life.

Do Teenagers Get Depressed 5 Main Causes Of Depression Among Teenagers

Teenagers have been traditionally known to be withdrawn, isolated, uninteractive with family members, and desirous of being left alone most of the time. However, the manifestations of depression among teenagers can be commonly seen in outbursts of anger such as yelling and saying nasty/hurtful things to people, extreme isolation, repression of emotions/feelings, being withdrawn even from peers, having no interest in life, neglecting their appearance, and not minding if they have good personal hygiene or not. Some of these, coupled with the classic symptoms of depression as mentioned in the beginning, are telltale signs of depression in teenagers.

According to the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual , there are different types of depression that can be found within teenagers, such as major depressive disorder , persistent depressive disorder , pre-menstrual depressive disorder, and substance induced depressive disorder.

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Finding Causes And Treating Depression In Teenagers

Join a Research Study: Enrolling nationally from around the country

To find out if you qualify, or call .

This research study seeks to find causes and treatments of depression in teenagers. The study goals are to increase our knowledge of treatments for depression and understand how the brain changes when teenagers have depression. The study will also compare teenagers with depression to those without mental health diagnoses.

This outpatient study is recruiting participants ages 11-17 who are depressed. They must have a pediatrician or other medical provider, be medically healthy, and able to perform research tasks. They may not currently be hospitalized, psychotic or actively suicidal. Teenagers with depression are eligible even if they are taking medication.

The study begins with an evaluation that includes clinical assessment, interviews, and questionnaires.

All clinical evaluations, research tasks and visits are at no cost to you. Participants are compensated for research activities. Parents and teenager must agree to the teenager’s participation in research.

The study is conducted at the NIH in Bethesda, Maryland and enrolls participants from the Washington DC Metro region within 50 miles of NIH. Transportation expenses are reimbursed by NIMH.

What Is The Prognosis Of Teen Depression

Depression can be quite chronic, in that 85% of people who have one episode of the illness will have another one within 15 years of the first episode. A bit over 50% of teens who are part of research studies on depression treatment significantly improve. About 12% will relapse in the first year, and about 60% of teens who suffer from clinical depression will suffer with a recurrence of it during adulthood. Clinical depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States in people over 5 years of age.

Adolescent depression is associated with a number of potentially negative outcomes, including problems at school, work, in their relationships, and with drugs. Certainly the worst potential outcome of depression, suicide is the third leading cause of death in teens.

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Familial And Genetic Risk

Off spring of parents who have depression face three to four times increased rates of depression compared with off spring of healthy parents.51 Both genes and non-inherited factors contribute to this risk.51,52 Although exposures to maternal depression in the prenatal and postnatal periods have been regarded as especially important,53 unlike in animals, evidence that risks to off spring are restricted to these crucial periods is inconsistent. Longitudinal research,54,55 studies of children who are genetically unrelated to their mothers,52,56 and treatment trials of maternal depression57 suggest that the risk effects of early maternal depression are mediated through exposure to later, continued maternal symptoms or associated psychosocial adversity.58 Although the importance of paternal mental health is now starting to be recognised,59 the long-term effects on depression during adolescence have yet to be investigated.

Some studies have focused on identifying specific genes that increase susceptibility for unipolar depression. So far, no replicated, significant findings have emerged.66,67 These negative findings for unipolar depression contrast with those for other psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, perhaps because genes operate in more complex ways for depressive disorder than we currently understand, or because optimum genetic research strategies have not been used.

How Can I Recognise The Symptoms Of Depression In Teens

The symptoms of depression are different for everyone, but your teen might be expressing certain emotions more often, or may seem down, or may even be talking about feeling a certain way. Symptoms include:

• feelings of worthlessness
• extreme sadness or hopelessness that doesn’t seem to lift
• changes in emotions and more visible expression of them , and you might notice these changes at a particular time of day for example, your child cant get up in the morning, as they are feeling very low
• low energy levels and motivation
• thoughts of death or suicide.

Changes in your teens normal behaviour might include:

• withdrawing from friends and family
• engaging in risk-taking behaviours, such as unprotected sex, or alcohol or drug abuse
• changes in appetite
• a decreased interest in activities that were previously important to them.

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Talk About Treatment With Your Teen

Getting a teen to consent to treatment can feel like pulling teeth. This is why explaining to them what happens and what their role is can help. From the psychological evaluation to cognitive behavioral therapy to talk therapy, and everything in between prepares them and makes it less scary. Giving them room to make their own decisions about their therapy also helps them feel like they are helping themselves, rather than lazy and all other things attributed to depression.

How Can I Help My Teen Suffering From Depression And Anxiety

Teen depression and anxiety are treatable. Yet, according to the 2017 Child Mind Institute Childrens Mental Health Report, 60% of youth with depression go untreated, and 80% of youth with anxiety go untreated. Here are a few ways you can help your teen and prevent prolonged suffering.

Stay engaged and be an emotionally safe person for your teen to confide in.

We understand how difficult it is to see your child exhibiting attitudes and behaviors that accompany teen depression and anxiety. Encourage your teen to express what theyre feeling and resist the temptation to punish, lecture, or offer platitudes. Everyone wants to be heard, including your teen, so the best thing you can do is listen.

Stay alert and trust your gut.

You have instincts as a parent trust them. Seek the help your child needs if your gut is telling you that your child is really struggling. If your child is depressed and says anything related to self-harm, suicide, or death, take it very seriously. Ask frank questions and get help promptly.

Seek the support of a licensed mental health professional.

If you suspect your child needs help coping with depression and anxiety, seek the support of a mental health professional who understands teens unique needs and has experience working with teens.

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Looking For Risk Factors

While there is no clarity on a singular cause, there are a number of factors known to increase the risk of a teen developing depression.

These risk factors include:

• Having a blood relative with depression, bipolar disorder or substance use disorder
• Having a loved one who died by suicide
• Having a dysfunctional family experiencing family conflict
• Having stressful family situations such as divorce, military deployment, or the loss of a loved one.

Biological Causes Of Adolescent Depression

Some causes of adolescent depression are biological. For example, brain chemicals can have an effect on a persons mood and can cause depression. Hormones are another biological cause of the condition. Since hormone and chemical levels change during puberty, it is not uncommon for young teens to begin to develop depression for the first time.

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Depression Rates Are Higher In Females And Gender Minority Teens

While depression can affect teens of any sex and gender identity, a study published by the JAMA Network found that by 15 years old, females were twice as likely to have experienced episodic depression than males.

When comparing male and female depression rates, depression continues to present at a higher rate in females than males from the teen years into adulthood.

Also, according to the , risk factors leading to depression are highest among adolescents and young adults who identify with a gender minority, such as transgender, genderqueer, and nonbinary.

Types Of Adolescent Depression

There are several types of depression. The most common depressive disorders include the following.

• Major depression: a severe depression that can incapacitate those who are suffering, making it difficult or impossible to do normal daily activities, such as working, studying, sleeping, and eating
• Persistent depressive disorder: a chronic, low-grade depression that can get better or worse over time
• Melancholic depression: a particularly severe form of major depressive disorder characterized by persistent feelings of extreme sadness and hopelessness
• Psychotic depression: severe depression, accompanied by delusions or hallucinations
• Seasonal Affective Disorder : a cyclical depression that comes and goes with the seasons
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: an extreme form of premenstrual syndrome that can manifest as intense and debilitating mood shifts

Find more terms and definitions related to teen mental health in our A-Z Teen Health Glossary.

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Signs Of Anxiety And Depression In Teens

Anyone who has experience with teens understands their emotions can be unpredictable and even confusing sometimes. As a parent, its challenging to discern normal teen behavior from behaviors signaling that your child needs help. The following list is not exhaustive, but if your teen is exhibiting any of the following symptoms for more than two weeks, it would be wise to have them evaluated by a mental health professional.

Facing The Danger Of Teen Suicide

Sometimes teens feel so depressed that they consider ending their lives. Each year, almost 5,000 young people, ages 15 to 24, kill themselves. The rate of suicide for this age group has nearly tripled since 1960, making it the third leading cause of death in adolescents and the second leading cause of death among college-age youth.

Studies show that suicide attempts among young people may be based on long-standing problems triggered by a specific event. Suicidal adolescents may view a temporary situation as a permanent condition. Feelings of anger and resentment combined with exaggerated guilt can lead to impulsive, self-destructive acts.

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Depression Can Be Mistaken For Hormones And Bad Attitudes

Many of us grew up hearing about teen angst and hormonal fluctuations. While it is true that teens experience changes in their hormones, it doesnt mean that they arent depressed. If you dont know how to express how you feel inside, you will act out. It isnt a bad attitude either, another famous excuse for symptoms of depression. When dealing with a depressed teen, or any teen for that matter, we have to be patient and actively listen to what is going on within their mind. They have to know they can trust us enough to listen too.

Does Depression Medicine Work For Teen Depression

Yes. A large number of research trials have shown the effectiveness of depression medications in relieving the symptoms of teen depression. One key recent study, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, reviewed three different approaches to treating adolescents with moderate to severe depression:

• One approach was using the antidepressant medication Prozac, which is approved by the FDA for use with pediatric patients ages 8-18.
• The second treatment was using cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, to help the teen recognize and change negative patterns of thinking that may increase symptoms of depression.
• The third approach was a combination of medication and CBT.

At the end of the 12-week study, researchers found that nearly three out of every four patients who received the combination treatment — depression medication and psychotherapy — significantly improved. More than 60% of the kids who took Prozac alone improved. But the study confirmed that combination treatment was nearly twice as effective in relieving depression as psychotherapy alone.

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Symptoms Of Depression In Teens

Many signs could indicate you have depression. Some of the most common symptoms are:

• feeling sad, hopeless, and worthless.
• you might also have trouble sleeping at night or too much sleep during the day.
• having no motivation to do anything you used to like doing,
• losing interest in friends & family members ,
• poor concentration on schoolwork or other activities that were fun before,
• weight changes because of lack of appetite or overeating habits which lead to obesity.

Its important to note if any substance abuse is present as this could be linked with depression.

Dealing With Adolescent Pressures

When teens feel down, there are ways they can cope with these feelings to avoid serious depression. All of these suggestions help develop a sense of acceptance and belonging that is so important to adolescents.

• Try to make new friends. Healthy relationships with peers are central to teens self-esteem and provide an important social outlet.
• Participate in sports, job, school activities or hobbies. Staying busy helps teens focus on positive activities rather than negative feelings or behaviors.
• Join organizations that offer programs for young people. Special programs geared to the needs of adolescents help develop additional interests.
• Ask a trusted adult for help. When problems are too much to handle alone, teens should not be afraid to ask for help.

But sometimes, despite everyones best efforts, teens become depressed. Many factors can contribute to depression. Studies show that some depressed people have too much or too little of certain brain chemicals. Also, a family history of depression may increase the risk for developing depression. Other factors that can contribute to depression are difficult life events , side-effects from some medications and negative thought patterns.

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Depression Symptoms In Teens: Why Todays Teens Are More Depressed Than Ever

After a decline in the 1990s, the number of young people that commit suicide has been increasing every year. While no one can explain exactly why, many experts say adolescents and teens today probably face more pressures at home or school, worry about financial issues for their families, and use more alcohol and drugs. This is a very dangerous time for our young people, Kathy Harms, a staff psychologist at Kansas Citys Crittenton Childrens Center, told the Portland Press Herald. Were seeing more anxiety and depression in children of all ages.

What Are Possible Complications Of Major Depression In A Teen

Without treatment, major depression can last for weeks, months, or years. It can cause relationship and social problems. Depression is also linked to a higher risk for suicide. This risk rises when the depressed teen has other mental health problems. These include conduct disorder and substance abuse. This is especially true for teen boys.

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Signs Of Depression In An Adolescent

An adolescent who is depressed may not show obvious signs of depression. Instead, they may start to behave uncharacteristically, for example by:

• becoming socially withdrawn
• refusing to eat, or gaining a lot of weight
• having physical problems including sore muscles, unexplained aches and pains
• not wanting to go to school or work

If you have noticed a change in their behaviour, its happening frequently and has gone on for more than 2 weeks, and its affecting their day to day life, then it is a good idea to seek help.