Adolescent depression causes and treatment

Adolescent depression, also known as teen depression, occurs in teenage years and often involves feeling of hopelessness, lack of confidence in self, lack of motivation, loss of interest in friends, family and society. Symptoms of adolescent depression are often not understood by many parents and if treatment is not offered in time, depression can turn into a serious disorder.

Symptoms of adolescent depression

The following are the common depression symptoms that are easy to diagnose so that help can be offered in early stages of teen depression.

• Lack of confidence, motivation, energy and interest in daily activities.
• Unsual temper – you might know when your son or daughter start reacting for even minor issues.
• Staying locked in their rooms and not making contact with family members and friends.
• Change in appetite – they either eat more or very less (something you can notice easily).

Other depression symptoms are change in weight, quick reaction to criticism, ignoring parents and close friends, angry mood, easily frustrated etc.

What causes depressions in adolescent

There are both direct as well as indirect causes of depression in teens. Some of the causes of depression in teens are as follows:

• Depression is caused by the influence of sex hormones in teens.
• Strong conflict of opinion with close friends and family members can lead to depression.
• Excessive criticism by friends and family can lead to severe depression.
• Teens undergo normal maturation process and due to the stress associated with it, depression is caused.

Adolescent depression treatment

Let whatever the cause be, depression can be treated by either medication or therapy or both.

Medication mostly involves antidepressant in small doses. Some antidepressant are not approved for use in children and teens. You may want to consult the doctor about potential side effects and risks of using antidepressant to treat your teen. Therapy is used in situations when depression has been caused because of conflicts with family members. Psychotherapy often helps to a large extent and treatment can be delivered without any medications.

Consult a doctor immediately if you spot any of the above symptoms in your teen.