Due to the developmental issues teens face, teen depression is a different illness than adult depression. This eMedTV segment offers an overview of the condition, noting in particular its causes, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options.
This part of the eMedTV archives highlights some of the most frequently diagnosed types of depression in teens (which include major depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disorder), as well as some symptoms of each of these types of teen depression.
Gender, physical factors, and stressful life events are among the risk factors for teen depression. This eMedTV article explains that scientists don't know the exact cause or causes of teen depression.
This page on the eMedTV site describes some possible signs of teenage depression (such as feeling negative or not caring about anything) and explains that you should see your healthcare provider if your child has any of these symptoms.
This eMedTV Web page lists procedures that a doctor may use in diagnosing teen depression (for example, a physical exam) and explains how the doctor will also consider factors such as the teenager's age, family situation, and self-esteem.
Treatment for teenage depression should be tailored to each teenager's needs. This eMedTV article lists drugs used for the treatment of depression in teenagers (such as SSRIs or SNRIs) and psychotherapies that can be used to treat teenage depression.
This section of the eMedTV library discusses the medications commonly used to treat childhood depression -- which belong to the classes of drugs known as SSRIs and SNRIs -- and explains that more studies need to be done on children and antidepressants.
This part of the eMedTV archives gives an overview of teen depression effects -- which can include changes in behavior, physical health, or social activity. This page also covers how often depressed teens experience a recurrence of their depression.
Some parents may ask, "Is my teen depressed?" This eMedTV page lists things you can do if your child is depressed (such as taking notes about behaviors that concern you), as well as things you shouldn't do (like asking your child to "snap out of it").
Research shows that up to 30 percent of people with ADHD also have depression. This eMedTV page gives an overview of depression and ADHD in children, noting some symptoms of each condition, as well as symptoms seen in children with both conditions.
Teenagers with clinical depression are more likely to commit suicide than are teenagers without depression. This eMedTV Web page explores the link between suicide and teen depression, and describes what to do if you develop any suicide warning signs.
