Symptoms and treatment of Teen depression

Description

Teen depression is a serious mental health problem that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities. It affects how your teenager thinks, feels and behaves, and it can cause emotional, functional and physical problems. Although depression can occur at any time in life, symptoms may be different between teens and adults.

Issues such as peer pressure, academic expectations, and bodies can bring a lot of ups and downs for teens. But for some teens, the lows are more than temporary feelings are a symptom of depression.

Teen depression is not a weakness or something that can be overcome with willpower — can have serious consequences and requires long-term treatment. For most teens, depression symptoms ease with the treatment, such as medication and psychological therapy.

Symptoms

Teen depression signs and symptoms include a change in the teenager's previous attitude and behavior that can cause significant distress and problems at school or home, in social activities or in other areas of life.

Symptoms of depression can vary in severity, but changes in your child's emotions and behavior may include the following examples.

Emotional changes

Be alert to the emotional changes, such as:

The feelings of sadness, which may include bouts of crying for no apparent reason
The frustration and feelings of anger, even over small things
Feeling hopeless or empty
Irritable or angry mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities.
Loss of interest in, or conflict with, family and friends
Low self-esteem
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Fixing the mistakes of the past, or exaggerated self-blame or self-criticism
Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure, and the need of excessive tranquility
Difficulty thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
Ongoing sense that life and the future is bleak and desolate
Frequent thoughts of death, dying or suicide.

Behavior changes

Be alert to changes in behavior, such as:

The fatigue and loss of energy
Insomnia or sleeping too much
Changes in appetite — decreased appetite and weight loss, or increased cravings for food and weight gain
The use of alcohol or drugs
Agitation or restlessness — for example, pacing, hand-wringing or an inability to remain seated
Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
Frequent complaints of unexplained body aches and headaches, which may include frequent visits to the school nurse
Social isolation
Poor school performance or frequent absences from school
Less attention to personal hygiene or appearance
Angry outbursts, disruptive or risky behavior, or other acting-out behaviors
Self-harm — for example, cutting or burning
Make a plan for suicide or a suicide attempt

What is normal and what is not

It can be difficult to tell the difference between ups and downs that are just part of being a teen, and teen depression. Talk with your teen. Try to determine if he or she seems to be able to manage difficult feelings, or if life can seem overwhelming.

When to see a doctor

If the depression of the signs and symptoms continue, they begin to interfere in your child's life, or cause you to have concerns about suicide or your child's safety, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional trained to work with adolescents. His teenage son of the family doctor or pediatrician is a good place to start. Or your child's school can recommend someone.

The symptoms of depression is probably not going to improve on its own — and that may get worse or cause other problems if not treated. Depressed adolescents may be at risk of suicide, even if signs and symptoms do not appear to be serious.

If you're a teenager and you think you may be depressed, or that you have a friend who may be depressed — not wait to get help. Talk with a health care provider, such as the doctor or the school nurse. Share your concerns with a parent, a friend, a spiritual leader, a teacher or someone you trust.

Symptoms

Suicide is often associated with depression. If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, call 911 or the local emergency number immediately.

Also consider these options if you are having suicidal thoughts:

Call your mental health professional.
In contact with a direct line of suicide. In the united states, call or text 988 to reach the988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or use theLifeline Chat. The Spanish language, phone line is1-888-628-9454(toll-free). The services are free and confidential.Or contact a crisis service for adolescents in the united states calledTXT 4 HELP: Text the word "safe" and your current location to 4HELP (44357) to get immediate help, with the option for interactive text messages.
In the united states, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or use the Lifeline Chat . The Spanish language of the phone line is 1-888-628-9454 (toll-free). The services are free and confidential.
Or contact a crisis service for adolescents in the united states called TXT 4 HELP : Text the word "safe" and your current location to 4HELP (44357) to get immediate help, with the option for interactive text messages.
Seek help from your primary care physician or other health care professional.
Reaching out to a friend or loved one.
Contact a minister, spiritual leader or someone in your faith community.
In the united states, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or use the Lifeline Chat . The Spanish language of the phone line is 1-888-628-9454 (toll-free). The services are free and confidential.
Or contact a crisis service for adolescents in the united states called TXT 4 HELP : Text the word "safe" and your current location to 4HELP (44357) to get immediate help, with the option for interactive text messages.

If a friend or loved one is in danger of attempting suicide or has made an attempt:

Make sure someone stays with that person.
Call 911 or the local emergency number immediately.
Or, if you can do so safely, take the person to the nearest emergency room.

Never ignore comments, or concerns about the suicide. Always take action to get help.

Causes

It is not known exactly what causes depression, but a variety of issues that may be involved. These include:

The chemistry of the brain. Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring brain chemicals that carry signals to other parts of your brain and your body. When these chemicals are abnormal or impaired, the function of nerve receptors and nerve systems changes, which leads to depression.
Hormones. Changes in the body's balance of hormones may be involved in causing or triggering depression.
Inherited traits. Depression is more common in people whose blood relatives — such as a father or a grandfather — also have the condition.
Early childhood trauma. Traumatic events during childhood, such as physical or emotional abuse, or the loss of a parent, it can cause changes in the brain that increase the risk of depression.
Learned patterns of negative thinking. Teen depression can be linked to learning to feel helpless, instead of learning to feel capable of finding solutions to the challenges of life.

Risk factors

There are many factors that increase the risk of developing or triggering of teen depression, including:

You have problems that negatively impact self-esteem, such as obesity, problems with co-workers, long-term bullying or academic problems
You have been a victim or witness of violence, such as physical or sexual abuse
Have other mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, an anxiety disorder, a personality disorder, anorexia or bulimia
Having a learning disability or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Have ongoing pain or chronic physical illness such as cancer, diabetes or asthma
Have certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem or be overly dependent, self-critical or pessimistic
Abuse of alcohol, nicotine or other drugs
Being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender in an unfavourable environment

The history of the family and the problems with the family or the other may also increase your teenager's risk of depression, such as:

Having a parent, grandparent or other blood relative with depression, bipolar disorder, or alcohol problems
Have a family member who died by suicide
Have an important family of the communication and relationship problems
After you have experienced a recent stressful life events, such as divorce of parents, of parents in the military service or the death of a loved one

Complications

Untreated depression can result in emotional, behavioral, and health problems that affect every area of your teenager's life. Complications related to teen depression may include, for example:

The Alcohol and drug abuse
Academic problems
Family conflicts and the difficulties of the relationship
Suicide attempts or suicide.

Prevention

There is No sure way to prevent depression. However, these strategies can help. Encourage your teen to:

Take steps to control stress, increase endurance and increase the self-esteem to help handle problems that may arise
The practice of self-care, for example by creating a healthy sleep routine and the use of electronics responsibly and with moderation
To achieve the friendship and social support, especially in times of crisis
Get treatment at the first sign of a problem, to help prevent the depression from getting worse
To maintain the ongoing course of treatment, if recommended, even after the symptoms are going to help prevent a relapse of the symptoms of depression

Diagnosis

When teenage depression is suspected, the doctor will typically do these exams and tests.

Physical exam. The doctor may perform a physical exam and ask in-depth questions about your teen's health to determine what may be the cause of the depression. In some cases, depression may be linked to an underlying physical health problem.
The laboratory tests. For example, your child's doctor may do a blood test called a complete blood count or test your teen's thyroid to make sure it works properly.
The psychological evaluation. A doctor or mental health professional can talk with your teen about the thoughts, feelings, and behavior, and may include a questionnaire. These will help pinpoint a diagnosis and check for related complications.

Types of depression

The symptoms caused by the great depression can vary from person to person. To clarify the type of the depression of his teenage son, the doctor may use one or more contractors, which means that the depression with specific characteristics. Here are some examples:

Anxiety and the anxiety, the depression, with unusual concern about possible events or the loss of control
Melancholic features — severe depression with lack of response to something that used to bring pleasure, and is associated with waking up early in the morning, worsened mood in the morning, major changes in appetite, and feelings of guilt, agitation or slowness
Atypical features — depression, which includes the ability to be temporarily cheered by happy events, increased appetite, excessive need for sleep, rejection sensitivity, and a feeling of heaviness in the arms or legs

Other disorders that cause symptoms of depression

Several other disorders include depression as a symptom. An accurate diagnosis is the key to getting the right treatment. The doctor or mental health professional of the evaluation will help determine whether the symptoms of depression are caused by one of these conditions:

Bipolar 1 and 2 disorders. These mood disorders include mood swings that go from the main maximum of the main points low. Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish between bipolar disorder and depression.
Cyclothymic disorder. Cyclothymic (sy-kloe-THIE-mik) disorder consists of highs and lows that are milder than those of bipolar disorder.
Disruptive mood disorder of dysregulation. This mood disorder in children includes chronic and severe irritability and anger with frequent extreme outbursts of temper. This disorder usually develops in major depressive disorder or an anxiety disorder during adolescence or adulthood.
Persistent depressive disorder. Sometimes called dysthymia (dis-THIE-me-uh), this is a less severe but more chronic form of depression. While that is usually not disabling, persistent depressive disorder can prevent functioning normally in the daily routines and live life to the fullest.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder. This involves symptoms of depression associated with the hormonal changes that begin a week before, and to improve within a couple of days after the onset of menstruation. The symptoms are minimal or gone after the end of the period.
Other causes of depression. This includes the depression caused by the use of recreational or illegal drugs, certain prescription medications, or a medical condition.

Treatment

The treatment depends on the type and severity of the adolescent with symptoms of depression. A combination of talk therapy (psychotherapy) and medication can be very effective for the majority of adolescents with depression.

If your child has severe depression or is in danger of harm, he or she may need a stay in the hospital, or you may have to participate in an outpatient treatment program until your symptoms improve.

Here's a closer look at depression treatment options.

Drugs

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two medications for teen depression — fluoxetine (Prozac) and escitalopram (Lexapro). Talk with your teen's doctor about the medication options and possible side effects, weigh the benefits and the risks.

The FDA alert

Most antidepressants are generally safe, but the FDA required all antidepressants to carry a black box warning, the strictest warnings for prescriptions. Although it is rare, some children, teenagers, and young adults under 25 may have an increase in suicidal thoughts or behavior when taking antidepressants, especially in the first few weeks after starting or when the dose is changed.

Anyone taking an antidepressant should be watched closely for worsening depression or unusual behavior, especially at the beginning of a new medication or a change in the dose. If your teen is having thoughts of suicide while taking an antidepressant, immediately contact your doctor or seek emergency help.

For the majority of adolescents who need an antidepressant, the benefits of taking an antidepressant outweigh the possible risks. Keep in mind that antidepressants are more likely to reduce suicide risk in the long run by improving mood.

Finding the right medication

Everyone is different, so find the medication or the dose of your teen can take a little trial and error. This requires patience, as some medications need several weeks or longer to take full effect and side-effects to ease as the body adapts. Encourage your child not to give up.

Administration of medications

Carefully monitor your child use of medicines. To work correctly, antidepressants must be taken in the prescribed dose. Because an overdose can be a risk for adolescents with depression, the doctor may prescribe only small supplies of pills at the same time, or recommended to distribute the medication to your child does not have a large amount of pills at the same time. Lock all the pills in the household is a measure that families can take to reduce the risk of suicide.

If your teen has bothersome side effects, he or she should not stop taking an antidepressant without talking to your doctor first. Some antidepressants may cause withdrawal symptoms unless the dose is gradually tapered off — quitting suddenly may cause a sudden worsening of depression.

Antidepressants and pregnancy

If your teen is pregnant or breastfeeding, some antidepressants may represent a greater risk to the health of the unborn child or nursing infant. If your teen is pregnant or planning to become pregnant, make sure that your teen to talk to the doctor about antidepressant medications, and the management of depression during pregnancy.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also called psychological counseling or talk therapy, is a general term for the treatment of depression by talking about depression and issues related to a mental health professional. The different types of psychotherapy can be effective for depression, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy.

Psychotherapy can be done one-on-one, with the members of the family or in a group. Through regular sessions, your child can:

Learn about the causes of the depression
Learn how to identify and make changes in unhealthy behaviors or thoughts
Explore the relationships and experiences
Find better ways to cope and solve problems
Set realistic goals
Regain a sense of happiness and control
To help relieve symptoms of depression, such as hopelessness and anger
Adjust to a crisis or other current difficulty

Hospitalization and other treatment programs

In some adolescents, depression is so severe that the hospital stay is necessary, especially if your child is in danger of hurting yourself or someone else. Receiving psychiatric treatment in a hospital can help to keep your child quiet and safe until coping skills are learned, and a safety plan is developed.

Day treatment programs can also help. These programs provide the support and advice they need while your child develops symptoms of depression under control.

Alternative medicine

Make sure that you and your teen to understand the risks and potential benefits if your child pursues alternative or complementary therapy. Do not replace conventional medical treatment, or psychotherapy with alternative medicine. When it comes to depression, alternative treatments are not a good substitute for medical care.

Examples of techniques that can help you to deal with depression include:

Acupuncture
Relaxation techniques, like deep breathing
Yoga or tai chi
Meditation
Guided imagery
Massage therapy
The music or the art of therapy
Spirituality

Relying solely on these methods is not generally sufficient to treat depression. But it can be useful when used in addition to medication and psychotherapy.

Lifestyle and home remedies

You and your teenager in the best advocate to help him or her succeed. In addition to professional treatment, here are some steps that you and your teen can take that may help:

Stick to the treatment plan. Make sure that your child attends appointments, even if he or she has no urge to go. Even if your child does not feel well, make sure he or she continues to take medications as prescribed. If your child stops taking the drugs, the symptoms of depression may return. And quitting suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms.
Learn about the depression. Education can empower your teen and encourage him or her to adhere to a treatment plan. You can also benefit you and other loved ones to learn about depression and understand that it's a treatable condition.
Foster communication with your teen. Talk with your teen about the changes that we are watching and emphasize your unconditional support. Create an environment where your child can share concerns, while you listen.
Pay attention to the warning signs. Work with your child's doctor or therapist to learn what might trigger your symptoms of depression. Make a plan for you and your teen know what to do if symptoms worsen. Ask family members or friends to help you see the warning signs.
Help your teen adopt healthy habits. Keep the healthy food in your home, keep unhealthy foods, and establish regular mealtimes. Encourage exercise routine, pointing out that even light physical activity can help reduce the symptoms of depression. Set a time to turn off the lights at bedtime with the non-use of electronic devices in bed, that can help to promote the quality and quantity of sleep. If your child is having problems with sleep, ask your doctor for advice.
Help your child to avoid the consumption of alcohol and other drugs. Your teenager may feel as if alcohol, marijuana or other drugs lessen depression symptoms, but in the long term worsen symptoms and make depression harder to treat. Talk with your doctor or therapist if your child needs help dealing with the use of alcohol or drugs.
Eliminate or limit the access to the elements of your teen could use for self-harm. This may include the removal or securing of firearms, and the elimination of sharp objects, alcohol or the risk of the medications in your house if you live with a teenager who suffers from depression.

Coping and support

Show interest and a desire to understand your teen's feelings let him or her know that you care. You may not understand why your teen is feeling hopeless or has a sense of loss or failure. But listen without judging and try to put yourself in your child's position. Help build your child's self-esteem by acknowledging the small successes and offering compliments about the competition.

Encourage your child to:

To make and maintain healthy friendships. Positive relationships can help boost your child's confidence and help you to stay connected with others. Encourage your child to avoid relationships with people whose attitudes or behaviors may worsen the depression.
Stay active. Participation in sports, school activities or work can help to keep your child focused on positive things instead of negative feelings or behaviors.
Ask for help. Adolescents may be reluctant to seek support when life can seem overwhelming. Encourage your child to talk with a family member or another trusted adult whenever it is needed.
Have realistic expectations. Many adolescents judge themselves when they are not able to live up to unrealistic standards in the academic sphere, in athletics, or in the appearance, for example. Let your child know it is ok to not be perfect.
Simplify your life. Encourage your child to carefully choose the obligations and commitments, and set reasonable goals. Let your child know that it's okay to do less when he or she sits down.
Structure time. Help your child with the plan of activities for to do lists, or the use of a planner to keep organized. Sticking to a regular routine can help to improve mood.
Keep a private journal. Journaling can help improve your teen's mood, allowing your child to express and work through the pain, anger, fear or other emotions.
Connect with other teens who are struggling with depression. Ask a doctor or therapist if there are any local support groups for depression adolescent. Depression support groups that are offered on line, but take a look at them to make sure they are trustworthy sites — such as the National Alliance of Mental Illness or the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.

Preparing for your appointment

It is a good idea to be well-prepared for your appointment. Here is some information to help you and your teen prepare, and what to expect from your doctor.

What you can do

To the extent possible, involve your teenager in the preparation for the appointment. Then, make a list of:

Any of the signs that your teen has had, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for the appointment
Key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes of your teen has experienced
All the drugs, vitamins, herbal remedies, or other supplements that your child is taking
The questions that you and your teenager wants to ask the doctor

Basic questions to ask the doctor may include:

Depression is the most likely cause of my child's symptoms?
What are other possible causes of the symptoms?
What kinds of tests will my teenager need?
What treatment is likely to work better?
There are potential side effects with the medications that you are recommending?
Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing?
How will we monitor the progress and effectiveness of treatment?
What are the alternatives to the primary approach you're suggesting?
My son has these other health conditions. Could be related to depression?
There are restrictions for my child) you need to follow?
Should my child see a psychiatrist or other mental health professional?
Making changes in the diet, the exercise, or in other areas to help relieve depression?
There are materials that we can have? What sites do you recommend?

Do not hesitate to ask questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your child's doctor

Your child's doctor or mental health professional is likely that asks your child a series of questions, including:

When family members or friends first notice the symptoms of depression?
How much time have you felt depressed? In general, how do you always feel down, or your mood change?
Does your mood every time swing feeling to feel very happy and full of energy?
Have you had thoughts of suicide when you're feeling down?
How severe are the symptoms? Make that interferes with school, relationships, or other day-to-day activities?
Do you have any blood relatives — as a parent or a grandparent with depression or another mood disorder?
What other mental or physical health conditions do you have?
You are using any mood-altering substances, such as alcohol, marijuana or recreational drugs? Does the use of nicotine?
How much can you sleep at night? Does the amount of change over time?
What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms? What seems to worsen them?
What is your power? Do you have a history of significant weight gain or weight loss?

The doctor or mental health professional will ask more questions based on your child's responses, symptoms, and needs. Prepare and anticipate the questions will help you make the most of your appointment time.

Symptoms and treatment of Teen depression