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Teen depression is frequently misdiagnosed and confused
with other disorders such as conduct disorder, mood disorders, disassociative
states, or anxiety. One of the main reasons for this is that although
adolescents and teenagers are frequently depressed, they may not
show the telltale signs that adults exhibit in a major depression.
A teenager may more frequently attempt to self-medicate by experimenting
with drugs or alcohol. They may frequently act out at school or
at home, behaving in ways that are grossly atypical for that child.
It is not uncommon for an adolescent or teenager to be extremely
angry, displaying this anger verbally, without showing typical depressive
symptoms. The destruction of property in the home is very common
during an explosive outburst. These are often precipitants for seeking
out treatment. Experimentation with recreational drugs or alcohol,
or sexual acting out are all classic signs of depression in adolescents
and teenager, as opposed to your classic scenario in adult depression.
Subsequently, this often leads to misdiagnosis.
This author has frequently seen adolescents and teenagers where
suicidal thoughts as well as behaviors occur. We will target this
in the section under suicide. Please refer to that area. RARELY
has this author seen a depressed or acting out child where there
was not some level of dysfunction within the family. This is a huge
hurdle and a great challenge due to many parents being grossly defensive
and not wanting to examine their own issues. It is extremely simple
for parents to point their fingers at the child as being the identified
patient and the problem generator within the home. Subsequently,
this author strongly believes that not only does individual therapy
with the child or teenager need to be implemented, but family therapy
is also of utmost importance. This also allows the therapist to
see communication interactions and other family dynamics.
Causes of Teen Depression
There are a variety of factors contributing to teen depression.
There are classic symptoms of teen depression; is it very common
to see depressed teens becoming aggressive and acting out. However
symptoms are wide-ranging. They may be experiencing stress at school.
Additionally, parents can create stress by unrealistic expectations
being placed on their teens to achieve. I have never seen a depressed
child without some degree of dysfunction in the home, whether it
be communication between parents or between parents and teen. Although
statistics show that girls are twice as likely as boys to develop
clinical depression, this is misleading. It has been reported that
girls are more likely to disclose their depressive symptoms, or
seek out help than boys. Subsequently, it only appears that girls
are twice as likely to be depressed as boys. Boys frequently will
show their depression through anger, and acting out, in seeking
out peer groups that display asocial or antisocial behavior patterns.
Self-esteem will be diminished. Other causes: A breakup of a relationship,
physiological illnesses can induce depression, physical and sexual
abuse, or sudden loss of a grandparent or parent. Combined with
the fact that coping mechanisms are not as well-developed as teens
have only walked this earth for a short time compared to adults,
you now have a nice mixture for increased suicidal ideation and
attempts.
Teen Depression Symptoms
Symptoms of teen depression are similar to those of adults. However
teen depression is often misdiagnosed because symptoms may be quite
different. For example, severe anger and irritability not commonly
seen in depressed adults, but is quite often seen in depressed teens.
Other symptoms may include fatigue, increased sleeping, feelings
of despair, appetite disturbance, insomnia, withdrawing from peers,
spending increased time in their bedrooms, not wanting to go out
and socialize, a dramatic drop in grades, absences in school attendance,
preoccupation with thoughts of death, or possible experimentation
with drugs or alcohol, minor property destruction, excoriating into
the woodwork at their desks in school, or their walls at home. If
you suspect depression, watch for sudden changes in their artwork
or doodling. Please be advised: Having one or two symptoms does
not mean your child is necessarily depressed. Your child has to
be looked at in his/her entirety, and a proper assessment needs
to be performed.
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