Depression in adolescents

DEPRESSION IN ADOLESCENTS

All individuals may become depressed at some point in time. However, when feelings of depression persist and interfere with a child’s ability to work, it is termed as depression.

Children and teenagers are as prone as adults to suffer from depression. At any given point in time, about 5% of children in a population suffer from depression.

Warning signs of depression: -

Depressed children may behave differently as compared to depressed adults. Help should be seeked if following signs persist-

Frequent sadness and crying
Feeling of hopelessness
Disinterested in surrounding with persistent boredom
Low energy and easy fatigability
Avoids friends and social contact
Poor self esteem
Frequent complaints of aches in the body
Falling grades and poor performance in school
Inability to concentrate
Increased / Decreased appetite
Increased / Decreased sleep.
Runs away from home
Thoughts of suicide
May abuse alcohol or drugs to feel better.

Children under stress and those having ADHD, conduct disorders and learning disabilities are more prove to depression. Depression may also run in families. Troublesome behavior is a sign of depression and parents may not realize it as the teenager may not appear sad.

Early diagnosis and treatment is very essential. Parents should take professional help from a child psychiatrist. Treatment may include both individual and family therapy and also may include antidepressant medications.