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

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

Diagnoses Of Teen Depression:

Teen depression can be diagnosed via the following ways:

• Physical exam
• Lab tests
• Psychological evaluation
• DSM criteria

Treatment Of Teen Depression:

Treatment for teen depression includes:

• Medications
• Psychotherapy
• Hospitalization

By : Natural Health News