Adolescent depression

Alternative names:

depression in adolescents; teenage depression

Definition:

An emotional state marked by sadness, discouragement, and loss of self-worth that occurs during the teenage years.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Depression can be a transient mood change in response to many stimuli. In adolescents, depression is common because of the normal maturation process, the stress associated with it, and independence conflicts with parents. It may also be a reaction to a disturbing event such as the death of a friend or relative, a breakup with a boyfriend or girlfriend, failure at school, or for no apparent reason. Depression may also be caused by medical or psychiatric illness or
medications.

Normal behavior in adolescents is marked by both up and down moods, with alternating periods of feeling 'the world is a great place' and 'life's a bummer'. These moods may alternate over a period of hours or days. Persistant depression with no interspersed periods of happiness, faltering school performance, failing relations with family and friends, substance abuse and other negative behaviors may indicate depression. Teenagers may also mask depression with a put-on front of happiness but acting-out and risk-taking behavior indicate the underlying problem.

Suicide may follow either a short or prolonged period of depression.