Depression in Teens

Depression in teens

and other children is as common as it is in adults but many of them do not see a doctor and receive treatment for their depression. Diagnosis for depression is not as easy as it is for other ailments because there are different forms of depression and other ailments may have the same symptoms so often the illness is not diagnosed correctly. The doctor can run a few tests and ask a few questions to find out if the patient is suffering from a form of depression. It is not as easy to diagnose in a child as it is in an adult. There is a blood test the doctor can give the adult to determine if they might be suffering from depression.

Researchers think that depression may be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain and some factor or factors in a persons life will trigger the onset of depression. It is thought that some teens may suffer from depression because it is hereditary, family history of illness or suicide, abuse (physical, mental, or sexual), chronic illness, loss of a loved one (parent or sibling), divorce or abandonment. Each teen's depression is different and the causes will be different for each one. It is up to the doctor to find out the cause so they can begin the proper treatment and medication. The cause of the teen's depression could be totally because of the chemical imbalance so it doesn't have to be from certain incidents in their lives to trigger it. The most important thing is to get them some help so they do not suffer even more.

Symptoms of teen depression could be from any one or more of the following: sadness irritability, low self-esteem, lack of interest in activities (which previously were their favorites),at school or at home, change in appetite, sleep disorders, cannot concentrate or make decisions, anger or rage, physical problems that aren't there like headaches, stomachaches, etc., hyperatcive or lethargic, thoughts of suicide or death.

Children who are bipolar often are mis diagnosed as attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity (ADHD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder. Sometimes depression goes hand in hand with these other disorders and especially teens, can suffer from more than one disorder. If the right treatment is not given then the teen can hurt themselves or someone else. Depression in teens can have a long term effect on them and their families if not treated. Anti depressants is a controversial topic among experts today but the child needs help. Sometimes therapy can help in mild cases if the problem can be found and fixed. If the problem is hereditary, it would be hard to fix it with just therapy. Medications would be considered.