How to Identify & Treat Adolescents With Depression

According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, approximately 5 percent of children and adolescents experience depression. A depressed adolescent often causes conflict in his home, school and social life. Because adolescents tend to display behaviors that are indicative of the growing process like mood swings and temper tantrums, it can be difficult to decipher if she is depressed or undergoing normal angst. It is therefore critical to know the warning signs of depression and the available treatments so the child can receive the help he needs.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Identifying and Treating Teen Depression

1. Know the triggers causing the depression. Every child is different. Therefore, the cause of depression depends on the child's situation. Such factors include If he is under stress; has suffered a significant loss; has learning, behavioral, or anxiety disorders; or if depression runs in his family, he is genetically susceptible to depression.

2. Identify the signs of depression. If the adolescent exhibits symptoms such as constant crying and sadness, hopelessness, declining interest in otherwise pleasurable activities, reduced energy, consistent boredom, guilt, low self-esteem, they are likely depressed. Other warning signs include poor communication, repeated absences and poor performance in school, run-away attempts, an inability to concentrate, trouble maintaining relationships, social isolation, anger or hostility, and suicidal thoughts or behavior.

3. Take the adolescent to see a mental health professional if he displays the symptoms in Step 2. Ask your physician to recommend one for you, or see "Resources" for a list of mental health providers compiled by the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.

4. Educate yourself on the different treatment options available to your adolescent. Depression is generally treated in two stages. Medications are used to treat the symptoms of depression. After the symptoms are alleviated, to avoid a relapse, maintenance treatment is administered for four to nine months. Even during stages of wellness it is critical that the medications are still taken because continuing treatment lowers the risk of a sudden relapse. For first-time depression treatment, the doctor may prescribe antidepressants such as Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil, which have fewer side effects.

5. Realize that not everyone responds to medications in a similar fashion. What works for one person may not be effective for another. The physician will select the appropriate antidepressant based on the adolescent's family history, his symptoms and the side effects of the medication. For example, if the adolescent is having problems sleeping, the doctor may prescribe him with a sedating antidepressant. The physician may also recommend therapy, which includes psychotherapy (to address the underlying cause of the depression) and electroconvulsive therapy (for individuals who are not responsive to medications or may be prone to suicide).

Tips & Warnings

• Physicians, parents and adolescents must weigh the pros and cons of antidepressant medications to reduce the risk of suicide.
• Physicians should explain any side effects of medications to the parents and to the adolescent.
• Parents must try to ensure that the adolescent takes the medication as prescribed to avoid potential drug abuse or addiction.

References

• The Depressed Child
• Teen Depression

Resources

• External Referral Sources

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