Definition:
Adolescent depression is a disorder that occurs during the teenage years, and involves persistent sadness, discouragement, loss of self-worth, and loss of interest in usual activities. See also:
Alternative Names:
Depression - adolescents; Teenage depression
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Depression can be a temporary response to many situations and stresses. In adolescents, depressed mood is common because of: It may also be a reaction to a disturbing event, such as: Adolescents who have low self-esteem, are highly self-critical, and who feel little sense of control over negative events are particularly at risk to become depressed when they experience stressful events. Adolescent girls are twice as likely as boys to experience depression. Risk factors include: Chronic illness Family history of depression Poor social skills Stressful life events, particularly loss of a parent to death or divorce Unstable caregiving
Depression is also associated with eating disorders, particularly bulimia.
References:
Agerter DC, Rasmussen NH, Sutor B. Depression. In: Rakel RE, ed. Textbook of Family Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 58. Borrillo Cm, Boris NW. Mood disorders. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 25. Boris NW, Dalton R. Suicide and attempted suicide. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 26. Zuckerbrot RA, Cheung AH, Jenson PS, Stein REK. Identification, assessment, and initial management guidelines for adolescent depression in primary care. Pediatrics. 2007;120:e1299-e1312. Cheung AH, Zuckerbrot RA, Jenson PS, Ghalib K. Treatment and ongoing management guidelines for adolescent depression in primary care. Pediatrics. 2007;120:e1313-e1326.
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