Factors Contributing to Depression in Adolescents

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Depression is a medical problem that causes persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities. This affects how teens think, feel, and behave. Depression can also cause physical and emotional problems. Common things that occur in adolescence, such as peer pressure and academic expectations, can have a much stronger effect on some teens when compared to others. The lows that they experience are not something normal. Dramatic changes in behavior and mood throughout the years of adolescence can be accepted as something normal; however, more often than not, those young adults may be suffering from depression.
Although the cause of depression is unknown, there are many factors that contribute to the development of depression in adolescents. Studies have shown that about 40% of the risk for depression is genetic. This makes depression as heritable as many common complex medical conditions such as type II diabetes, asthma, and certain cancers. However, in the case of depression, there is not one specific gene that is involved; therefore making it difficult to discover the exact genetic cause. Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that naturally occur and play a role in depression. Depression is more likely to occur in people whose blood relatives also have, or had, depression. Psychosocial variables involved in causing depression in adolescents include self-consciousness, self-esteem, and reduction in activities because of physical illness or injury. Changes in the body's balance of hormones are involved in triggering or causing depression. Traumatic events such as physical or emotional abuse, or a loss of a parent, may cause changes in the brain that makes a person more likely to develop depression. Teen depression can also be linke...

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...medications for teen depression: Prozac and Lexapro. Some antidepressants may cause suicidal thoughts or behavior. In most cases, the benefits of antidepressants outweigh the possible risks. Overall, antidepressants generally reduce suicidal thinking or behavior. “Psychotherapy, also called psychological counseling or talk therapy, is a general term for treating depression by talking about depression and related issues with a mental health provider. Psychotherapy may be done one-on-one, with family members or in a group” (mayoclinic.com). Through regular sessions of psychotherapy, teens can learn about the causes of depression, how to make changes in their behavior or thoughts, find better ways to cope and solve problems, and learn to set realistic goals. This type of treatment often helps teens regain happiness and learn to control and ease symptoms of depression.

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