Clinical depression is a mental disorder, not a temporary condition. The symptoms are so severe, the affected person has difficulty getting through their daily activities. when we refer to depression, the focus is usually on the adult. however, there is a another group of individuals who are experiencing the same yet different symptoms, and certainly behaviors. Teens who are often considered to be unruly, out of control, difficult, etc, are usually suffering from depression. Many of the signs of depression are the same in teens as there are in adults. however, teens often face challenges and issues that are not found with adults who suffer from depression.
Common Signs of Depression
Lack of appetite
Irritability
Sleep disturbances: either sleeping too little, or too much.
Energy loss
Loss of interest in hobbies, activities that were once enjoyed
Weight changes: Increase or decrease in weight due to changes in appetite.
Feelings of worthlessness
Feeling helpless
Mood changes: Feelings of sadness, having the blues that last longer than a few days.
Crying
Concentration, memory and decision making skills may be impaired
Physical complaints such as body pain or headaches which are unexplainable.
Thoughts of suicide or preoccupation with death
Physical complaints: Aches and pains, including headaches that have no known cause
Signs of Teen Depression:
Overly emotional reactions to even the smallest thing.
Crying or irritability,anger, hostility
Preoccupation with body image, especially in girls
Lack of concern with personal appearance and/or hygiene
Behavioral problems that may be accompanied by other disorders such as ADHD or anxiety.
Behavioral problems in school: Tardiness, truancy issues
School performance: Grades drop
Reckless behaviors: Alcohol and/or drug use
Thoughts of suicide, abnormal focus on death
Runaway behavior
Problems with illegal behavior such as shoplifting etc.
Loss of interest in family or closest friends
Conflicts with family and friends
Extreme emotional sensitivity: Fears of failure or rejection by others
Self-injury also called self-mutilation
Gadget addiction such as internet addiction
Aggression
Violence
I hate you attitude
Chemical changes in brain
Hormonal changes
Heredity
Life Events: changes in one's life such as death of a loved one.
Early childhood: Abuse, neglect in the home. Lack of nurturing in the home, especially with young children who grow up feeling that they are different from other family members and simply do not fit in. During the tender years, low self-esteem develops which leads to depression and acting out.
Diagnosis and Treatment
As with any condition, a thorough physical exam should be performed to rule out any possible medical conditions which may be the cause of symptoms. If a physical cause is not found, it may be time to seek out the help from a mental health professional who specializes in teen depression. Determining a diagnosis is not a quick process.
Teen depression is more common in females than males and appears in twice as many females than adults. The home environment where there is lack of appropriate nurturing is a common cause of teen depression which leads to the acting out behaviors. It is easy for parents to label their child as lazy, not trying hard enough, uncooperative, etc. in many cases, there is a reason for these behaviors which a professional needs to determine and address through individual, group, and family therapy. there are programs designed specifically for teens which assist them with self-esteem, developing independence in a health way, anger management, and coping skills.
Antidepressant medication is often used in clinical depression. however, antidepressants are known to exacerbate the symptoms in children, teens and young adults under the age of 24. Anyone, especially those in this group need to be monitored carefully while on anti-depressant medication. It is important to watch for exacerbation of symptoms, and signs of suicidal behaviors, and to report them immediately to the professional(s) involved.
The bottom line is that the unruly, lazy, uncooperative, verbally and physically abusive teen may not be
in control of what is happening to them. Teen depression is a serious matter and should not be ignored or taken lightly. in dealing with teens, there may be a combination of personality disorders which include teen depression. Teen depression may be a symptom rather than the sole cause of their behavior. If the problems are not recognized and dealt with, the end results could be devastating.
Disclaimer: this article is meant for informational purposes only. It is not to replace the advice, diagnosis or treatment by medical or mental health professionals.
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