Depression is a common diagnosis that becomes more prevalent as a child progresses into adolescence. Maybe hormones play a factor, but adolescence can also be a difficulty period with school, family and social pressures. It is more common in females than males. It is an important diagnosis to make as it often has other disorders that exist with it (especially anxiety). Once a person has a history of depression, it makes it more likely for them to develop future episodes of depression.
Symptoms of depression include ongoing sadness or lack of enjoyment. Sleep, appetite, concentration, energy level can also be affected. Suicidal ideation and self harm can also be seen in depression.
Families/teacher/friends might notice these behaviors in children or adolescents with possible depression:
Withdrawal from Activities Changes in school performance
Isolation from family/friends Increase or Decrease in Sleep/Appetite
Constant sadness Lack of enjoyment/laughter
Treatment options include therapy, medications or both. Evidence based medicine suggests that adolescents with moderate to severe depression improved the quickest and the most with a combination of therapy and medications. Regardless of how one decides to treat, the longer and more severe an episode of depression is, the more difficult it will be to treat. Hence, if one has symptoms of depression lasting more than a few weeks to months, the first step in seeking help is to see the primary health care provider. Should there be any concerns regarding risk and safety, one should go to the nearest emergency department.
August 11, 2017