Teen Depression Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

What Is Teen Depression?

Marked by feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities, teen depression is a serious medical problem.

It can affect one’s way of thinking, feeling and behaving and is known to cause emotional, functional and physical problems.

Symptoms for teen depression are different from that exhibited by depression in adults.

Contrary to popular belief, teen depression is not something you can overcome via a strong will power. IT requires a long term treatment.

Causes Of Teen Depression:

Although the definite cause of teen depression is yet unknown, a variety of factors can contribute to its development.

Such factors include:

Biological chemistry.

Unbalanced neurotransmitters can lead to teen depression.

Hormones

Changes in the body’s balance of hormones may be involved in causing or triggering depression.

Inherited traits.

It is common in those who have blood relatives with similar medical conditions.

Early childhood trauma.

Traumatic events during childhood, such as physical or emotional abuse, or loss of a parent, may cause changes in the brain that may lead to depression.

Learned patterns of negative thinking.

Symptoms Of Teen Depression:

Symptoms of teen depression can be broadly divided into two categories.

Emotional changes
Feelings of sadness, which can include crying spells for no apparent reason
Irritability, frustration or feelings of anger, even over small matters
Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities
Loss of interest in, or conflict with, family and friends
Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, fixation on past failures or exaggerated self-blame or self-criticism
Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure, and the need for excessive reassurance
Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
Ongoing sense that life and the future are grim and bleak
Frequent thoughts of death, dying or suicide

Behavioral changes

Tiredness and loss of energy
Insomnia or sleeping too much
Changes in appetite, such as decreased appetite and weight loss, or increased cravings for food and weight gain
Use of alcohol or drugs
Agitation or restlessness
Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
Frequent complaints of unexplained body aches and headaches, which may include frequent visits to the school nurse
Poor school performance or frequent absences from school
Neglected appearance — such as mismatched clothes and unkempt hair
Disruptive or risky behavior
Self-harm, such as cutting, burning, or excessive piercing or tattooing