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Depression in adolescents is a disorder that occurs due to persistent sadness, loss of interest, loss of self esteem and despair. Depression is usually a temporary reaction to stress. Depression is a normal part of the maturation process of adolescents. It is even induced due to the production of sex hormones. Adolescent females are depressed twice as often as teenage boys, according to a study.

The behavior of adolescents is usually marked with good and bad moods. The transition from a good mood to bad mood and vice versa, can take minutes, hours or even days. That is the real reason why depression is very difficult to find out. Depression in adolescents may be caused due to poor school performance, breaking with a boyfriend or girlfriend, and relationships with friends and family. These causes can lead to persistent depression. Other causes are severe chronic disease, obesity, child abuse, stressful lifestyle, poor social skills, giving attention unstable and depression in family history.

Symptoms of depression in adolescents are eating disorders, weight change, irritable mood, excessive daytime sleepiness, excessive temper, criminal behavior, memory loss, fatigue, self-contained worry, sadness, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of worthlessness, loss of interest, free from hatred, obsession with death and the thoughts and suicide attempts. When these symptoms have been observed for more than two weeks, it is important to get treatment for adolescents. Depression not only affects interpersonal relationships, but school performance as well. Depressed adolescents are more likely to have drug and alcohol as an attempt to overcome her depression. These problems require intensive treatment.

The doctor will take blood test and physical exam to determine the cause of depression. The adolescent may also be tested for substance abuse such as smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, smoking marijuana and other drug use. After physical examination, psychiatric evaluation is also to understand the cause of sadness, loss of interest and irritability. Depression can also lead to the development of other psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, mania and anxiety. It is also important to determine if the adolescent presents a risk to himself and others. The family and school personnel can provide valuable information about adolescent suicide.

Treatment for depression in adolescents is similar to the treatment of depression in adults. Along with treatment, adolescents were given antidepressant medication and psychotherapy. Include tricyclic antidepressants, Prozac, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. Some medications increase the risk, so it’s a good idea for parents to discuss the possible risks with your doctor. Only some of antidepressant medications are for children and adolescents. Adolescents with major depression have to be hospitalized because they are more likely to kill themselves.

The family and school support is needed to address adolescent depression. Parents can get their children admitted to emotional growth schools, boot camps or wilderness programs, to address behavior problems. These programs consist of non-medical personnel and confrontational therapies. But be careful some of the programs in turn can affect children who are depressed and sensitive. The teenagers, who get caught because of crime, special care must be taken from their parents. It is better that children face the consequences and learn a lesson from it. Depressed teens respond well to treatment if they were treated in general and early. More than half of adults know that depression when they were in their teens.

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