Teenager ZONE

* DEPRESSION IN TEENAGERS AND CHILDREN * 

A while ago I did a blog about Adult depression. While doing the research on Adult depression, I learned quite a bit of information about depression in general, in addition to what I already knew because I suffer from this condition myself.

This article will cover the following: teenager and children depression statistics; teenager and children - specific depression symptoms (for "general" symptoms, check out the Adult blog), and, what you, as the parent and/or guardian, can do if you recognize the symptoms in one of yours. 

Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder Common to Adults, Children, and Adolescents

* Persistent sad or irritable mood

* Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

* Significant change in appetite or body weight

* Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping

* Psychomotor agitation or retardation

* Loss of energy

* Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt

* Difficulty concentrating

* Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

Five or more of these symptoms must persist for 2 or more weeks before a diagnosis of major depression is indicated.

TEENAGER AND CHILDREN DEPRESSION STATISTICS

 

As many as 8.3% of teenagers in the U.S. suffer from depression. Suicide is the third leading cause of death in teenagers. As many as one in every 33 children and approximately one in 8 adolescents may have depression. (Center for Mental Health Services, 1996; these data have increased over the past 9 years).

Treatment of major depression is as effective for children as it is for adults. (Dr. Graham Emslie, American Medical Association, Archives of General Psychiatry, November 15, 1997).

The statistics on teen depression are sobering. Studies indicate that one in five (1 in 5) children have some sort of mental, behavioral, or emotional problem, and that one in ten (1 in 10) may have a serious emotional problem.

What is even more chilling is that of all these children and teens struggling with emotional and behavioral problems, a mere 30% receive any sort of intervention or treatment. 

Teacher and Parent has important part to improve the child's mind and control their depression.