Adolescent depression Health Article

Definition

Adolescent depression is a disorder that occurs during the teenage years, and involves persistent sadness, discouragement, loss of self-worth, and loss of interest in usual activities.

See also:

• Depression
• Major depression

Alternative Names

Depression - adolescents; Teenage depression

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Depression can be a temporary response to many situations and stresses. In adolescents, depressed mood is common because of:

• The normal process of maturing and the stress associated with it
• The influence of sex hormones
• Independence conflicts with parents

It may also be a reaction to a disturbing event, such as:

• The death of a friend or relative
• A breakup with a boyfriend or girlfriend
• Failure at school

Adolescents who have low self-esteem, are highly self-critical, and who feel little sense of control over negative events are particularly at risk to become depressed when they experience stressful events.

Adolescent girls are twice as likely as boys to experience depression.

Risk factors include:

• Child abuse - both physical and sexual
• Chronic illness
• Family history of depression
• Poor social skills
• Stressful life events, particularly loss of a parent to death or divorce
• Unstable caregiving

Depression is also associated with eating disorders, particularly bulimia.

Symptoms

• Acting-out behavior (missing curfews, unusual defiance)
• Appetite changes (usually a loss of appetite but sometimes an increase)
• Criminal behavior (such as shoplifting)
• Depressed or irritable mood
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty making decisions
• Episodes of memory loss
• Excessive sleeping or daytime sleepiness
• Excessively irresponsible behavior pattern
• Excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt
• Failing relations with family and friends
• Faltering school performance
• Fatigue
• Feelings of worthlessness, sadness, or self-hatred
• Loss of interest in activities
• Persistent difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep (insomnia)
• Plans to commit suicide or actual suicide attempt
• Preoccupation with self
• Reduced pleasure in daily activities
• Substance abuse
• Temper (agitation)
• Thoughts about suicide or obsessive fears or worries about death
• Weight change (unintentional weight loss or gain)

If these symptoms last for at least 2 weeks and cause significant distress or difficulty functioning, get treatment.