Adolescent Depression, Anti-Depressants and Suicide
Adolescent Depression, Anti-Depressants and Suicide
The New York Times states that, “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, ("Adolescent depression," 2010, p 1/para. 1). This has become the newest epidemic sweeping across the nation, not only affecting teens but hindering children as well. In fact, surveys have shown that, one in every five adolescents suffer from depression, and that 15 to 20 percent of teenagers will experience an episode of major depression before the age of 20, (NIMH, 2007). With suicide being a major concern with adolescents and teenagers that suffer from depression, early detection is imperative. There are various forms of treatment such as medication and psychotherapy, however each comes with pro’s and con’s. In today’s pill popping society, antidepressants are becoming the number one method of treatment, yet how safe are they if their number one side effect is suicide? Much research has been conducted and has shown a link to antidepressants and suicide. There is also evidence that the suicide rate could be decreased with proper diagnosis, early detection, and supervised treatment when dealing with adolescents and teens that suffer from depression.
The general definition of depression is a psychological disorder that affects a person’s mood changes, physical functions, and social influences, ("Definition of Depression," 2010). Adolescent depression can be very similar to that of adult depression. On the contrary, depression is not as common in children as it is in adults. Depression is also overlooked in children and teenagers quite often. Adolescents and teens are in the early stages of discovering their feelings, what they are, how to control them, as well as how to express them. As Dr. Iannelli states:
Recognition and diagnosis of the disorder may be more difficult in youth for
The New York Times states that, “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, ("Adolescent depression," 2010, p 1/para. 1). This has become the newest epidemic sweeping across the nation, not only affecting teens but hindering children as well. In fact, surveys have shown that, one in every five adolescents suffer from depression, and that 15 to 20 percent of teenagers will experience an episode of major depression before the age of 20, (NIMH, 2007). With suicide being a major concern with adolescents and teenagers that suffer from depression, early detection is imperative. There are various forms of treatment such as medication and psychotherapy, however each comes with pro’s and con’s. In today’s pill popping society, antidepressants are becoming the number one method of treatment, yet how safe are they if their number one side effect is suicide? Much research has been conducted and has shown a link to antidepressants and suicide. There is also evidence that the suicide rate could be decreased with proper diagnosis, early detection, and supervised treatment when dealing with adolescents and teens that suffer from depression.
The general definition of depression is a psychological disorder that affects a person’s mood changes, physical functions, and social influences, ("Definition of Depression," 2010). Adolescent depression can be very similar to that of adult depression. On the contrary, depression is not as common in children as it is in adults. Depression is also overlooked in children and teenagers quite often. Adolescents and teens are in the early stages of discovering their feelings, what they are, how to control them, as well as how to express them. As Dr. Iannelli states:
Recognition and diagnosis of the disorder may be more difficult in youth for
References: Adolescent depression. (2010, November 14). The New York Times, Retrieved November 15, 2010, from http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/adolescent-depression/overview.html Angold, A., Costello, E.J., & Worthman, C.M. (1998). Puberty and depression: the roles of age, pubertal status, and pubertal timing Antidepressants Side Effects. (nd). Livestrong.com. Retrieved November 27, 2010, from http://www.livestrong.com/article/49242-antidepressants-side-effects/ Antidepressants what you need to know about depression medication. (2009). Corey, G. (2005). Theory and practice of counseling & psychotherapy. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole-Thomas Learning Inc Definition of Depression. (2010). Christianet.com. Retrieved November 10, 2010, from http://www.christianet.com/depression/definitionofdepression Iannelli, M.D., V. (2009, March 25). Symptoms of depression in children and teens. About.com Guide, Retrieved from http://pediatrics.about.com/cs/mentalhealth/a/depression_stdy_2.html Kauffman, Ph.D., J. (2009). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs: more risks than benefits? Nauert PhD , R. (2006). Depression’s chemical imbalance explained. Psych Central, Retrieved from http://psychcentral.com/news/2006/11/09/depressions-chemical-imbalance-explained/398.html Schimelpfening, N. (2010, February 03). Definition of toxicity. About.com Depression, Retrieved from http://depression.about.com/od/glossaryt/g/toxicity.htm Teenage depression statistics. (2010, November 25). Retrieved from http://www.teendepression.org/stats/teenage-depression-statistics/ Weighing the benefits & risks of ssri antidepressants for youth . (2009, February 07).