Teen Depression

By Ed Roska RN

The world health organization defines depression as a common mental disorder that presents with depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration. It is a known fact that depression can hinder one’s ability to have a productive life.

Depression is one of the leading causes Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALY) worldwide, DALY is the sum of years of productive life lost due to disability. According to Dr. Heinz of the NeuroResearch Clinics, depression is the 4th leading cause of Disability-Adjusted Life-Years; the World Health Organization also wrote that depression is expected to be the 2nd leading cause of DALYs in 2020 next to heart disease.

Mood swings are normal for teenager, sadness or withdrawal may be cause by hormonal changes or stress in school or conflict with parents. However persistent sadness that last for more than 1-2 weeks is an indication of depression. Some of the symptoms of depression may include:

· Decline in energy
· Noticeable changes in eating habits
· Poor concentration/poor performance in school
· Sleeping to much
· Alcohol abuse or smoking

Teen depression is different from adult depression. Teens tend to show more signs of anger and irritability instead of sadness. Unlike adults teens tend to spend more time with friends. Sometimes the only sign that indicate depression in teens is suicide or claims of wanting to die, which maybe then too late (Ellis-Christensen, 2003-2009).

Primary prevention for teen depression starts at home. Parents sometimes will have a hard time noticing signs of depression because teenagers have a tendency to have emotional ups and down. The best thing to do would be to talk and listen to the kids. Parents should be encouraging teens to be involved in activities and be involved in their activities. Most importantly parents should be role models. Risk factors for teen depression include alcoholic and abusive parents. Other primary preventions would include programs such as the Penn Resiliency Program and Coping with Stress courses. According to Gladstone and Beardslee (2009) these programs have been research and proven to be effective on teen with high risk factors for depression.
Secondary and tertiary prevention would involve hospitalization if the teen committed suicide, this would also involve medical and psychological therapy. The primary preventions mentioned above would be best initiated as well to prevent this from happening again.

If teens are showing signs of imminent suicide such as sadness and giving precious belongings call this hotline ASAP:
· 800-SUICIDE (784-2433) or 877-YOUTHLINE(968-8454)


References
Teen Depression (2005). Retrieved July 17, 2009, from http://www.teendepression.org/
Hinz, M. (2009). Depression epidemiology. Retrieved July 17, 2009, from http://www.neuroassist.com/depression-epidemiology.htm
Gladstone, T., Beardslee, W. (2009). The prevention of depression in children and adolescents: A review. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. 54 (4), 212-220. Retrieved July 17, 2009 from EBSCO database GSU library.
Ellis-Christensen, T. (n.d.). How teenage depressions differ from adult depression? Retrieved July 17, 2009, from http://www.wisegeek.com/how-is-teenage-depression-different-from-adult-depression.htm
World Health Organization (n.d.). Depression. Retrieved July 17, 2009, from http://www.who.int/mental_health/management/depression/definition/en/

Note: This blog post reflects the work of Ed Roska RN with minor editing by Shirley Comer RN and was completed as a class assignment. The content of this blog is for informational purposes only. Before beginning or changing a treatment or lifestyle regime you should consult your primary health care provider.