How to Treat Adolescent Depression

Adolescence is a difficult time for most people due to hormonal changes, social pressures, struggle for autonomy and uncertainty about the future. Although it's normal for teens to experience periodic mood swings, irritability, anger, hopelessness and intense sadness that persist for more than two weeks, can be symptoms of depression. Adolescent depression can lead to destructive behavior including suicide, so early intervention is key to effective treatment.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Get help. If you recognize the symptoms of adolescent depression, such as persistent sadness, anger, social withdrawal, sleeplessness and loss of appetite, seek professional assistance immediately. Ask your family physician for a referral to a mental health professional.

2. Start therapy. Studies of teen depression consistently indicate a positive correlation between consistent therapy and depression recovery. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, which involves identifying depression triggers and altering behaviors to counter distorted perceptions of self, is highly effective in treating depression in teens.

3. Take medication. Depending on a particular teen's symptoms and prognosis, treatment may include anti-depressant medication. A short-term course of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like Paxil, may be the best choice for adolescents. Use of psychiatric medications in teens is controversial, and is a matter to discuss with a physician.

4. Keep a journal. Journaling is a great way to identify stressors that trigger depression. There is no right way to write in a journal, but one useful approach is to document everything from sleep patterns, to food intake and minute-by-minute mood fluctuations. A doctor cannot have too much information about a patient's presentation of symptoms. Journaling is also a great way for teens to learn about themselves.

5. Develop social networks and increase confidence through positive activities. Low self-esteem is a major contributor to adolescent depression. Involvement in clubs, volunteer work and athletic activity can boost self-esteem and help curb depression. Intense competition can magnify feelings of worthlessness, so individual sports like swimming may be most appropriate for depressed teens.

6. Involve the whole family. Research shows that teen depression is likely related to a combination of biological and environmental factors. In addition to the genetic component of major depression, family dysfunction can trigger or intensify adolescent depression. Establish open lines of communication among family members and attend counseling sessions together.

7. Be aware of suicide warning signs. If an adolescent begins to talk or obsess about death or suicide, starts to give away personal belongings and/or further withdraws from previously enjoyed activities, seek help immediately. Teen suicide is reaching epidemic proportions in some areas of the country and is usually preventable with early intervention.

Tips & Warnings

• If your teen has depression, make sure he follows his treatment plan. Monitor medication intake, observe eating and sleeping patterns and make sure he attends all therapy sessions.
• Create a no-suicide contract. Mental health professionals often ask depressed patients to sign a contract promising to call their office or go to the emergency room immediately with onset of suicidal thoughts.
• Eat three healthy meals per day, keep a regular sleep schedule and do not neglect personal grooming. Maintaining a routine can help relieve depression.
• Some psychiatric drugs can cause suicidal tendencies in teens. Take medications exactly as directed and understand the risks associated with a drug before using it to treat depression.

Who Can Help:

• Overweight? Lose 30+ lbs without pills or diets- guaranteed
• Arthroscopic Alternative to Spine Surgery- For Back & Neck - Free MRI Review by our Doctors. Get your life back!
• Do you suffer from back pain? Learn more about our Medicare approved back support system. Medicare covers 85% of the cost.