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Adolescent
Depression
Depression in children and adolescents often goes unrecognized and
recognition is of course the most important step in obtaining treatment. Children
and adolescents communicate with their behavior, not always with words, so
their behavior may indicate the underlying feelings of sadness,
hopelessness, anger, and a lack of enjoyment in life. Some behavioral
indications of depression include, but are not limited to, doing poorly in
school, a change in sleep or eating patterns, decreased energy for doing
enjoyable things, decreased energy for interacting with others, and
irritability.
 Treatment for depression once
recognized has improved greatly over the last few years. Generally
speaking, a combination of individual therapy, family therapy and at times
psychopharmacology can help children and adolescents recover from
depression.
Although depression has natural cycles, and some children will recover
without treatment, depression also has a high level of risk. Dangerous
behaviors include suicidal behavior, drug use, and not attending to safety
and physical needs. It is important that depression be diagnosed and
treated in order to not interfere with the day to day functioning of the
child and in order to prevent self-injury.
To assist in identifying children at risk for depression, the following
resources will be helpful to parents and professionals.
http://www.mentalhealth.com/mag1/p51-dp01.html
Information for professionals regarding adolescent depression, suicide
risk,and treatment options.
http://www.aacap.org/publications/factsfam/depressd.htm
A fact sheet for families concerned about depression in children. Provides
links to other fact sheets about medication, hospitalization, and other
childhood mental health issues. Fact sheets are available in English,
Spanish and French.
http://www.wingofmadness.com/index.htm
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