Teen Depression

Teenage depression is one of the most common illnesses among adolescents, and teen suicide is the second leading cause of death. About five percent suffer from childhood and teen depression, and teen suicide has tripled in the last few decades. Ironically, teen depression is one of the most treatable illnesses, but teen depression symptoms are often misdiagnosed or missed entirely.

Why Teenage Depression is often misdiagnosed

Childhood depression is often confused with normal kid’s behavior or even ‘misbehavior.’ Let’s face it, sometimes kids do dumb, impulsive or irrational things. A lot of times they get angry and are defiant with their parents or authority figures. And unfortunately, sometimes even their doctor will miss depression signs and treat them for Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) General Anxiety Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. (It’s important to note that most teenagers who suffer from depression also suffer from ODD or another similar disorder.) However, if a teen is angry or shows unusual behavior for more than a couple of weeks, he or she should talk with a doctor.

How Teen & Childhood Depression Differs from Adult Depression

Adults tend to internalize their negative feelings and emotions while teens often act out in aggressive or abnormal behavior. Depressed teens can also consistently misbehave or break the rules. Depressed teenagers may become angry or defiant. They may engage in risky behavior such as irresponsible driving, sexual or gang related activity. Also most depressed teens have comorbid (concurrent) disorders such as ADHD, anxiety or ODD.

Often times, depressed kids turn to alcohol or drugs to relieve their depression. The problem with drug abuse is that although drugs offer a temporary relief, they cause a deeper despair once the high is gone. Any teen who has experimented with drugs should be checked for signs of depression.

Are you at risk for Teenage Depression?

Although depression can strike anyone, some factors increase the chance of teenage depression. Depression has been shown to be genetic, that is it runs in families. If a close relative suffers from depression, there is a much greater likelihood that a teen may also suffer. If the mother suffered from postpartum depression (baby blues or depression during or after pregnancy) there is a very high risk that the teenager will also suffer from depression and anxiety. Also, alcohol abuse in the home by another family member is another significant risk factor.

Danger Signs for Childhood Depression

Attitudes about school change or grades suddenly change
Stop playing with usual friends or group of friends change
Defiant, withdrawn, exhibits anger over adult intrusion
Unexplained outbursts, crying, irritability or feeling sad
Feelings of worthlessness, low self esteem, lack of confidence
Thoughts of dying or being dead
Changed behavior, constantly getting into trouble, aggressive or promiscuous behavior
Change in sleep, especially sleeping in late or not sleeping well

Adolescent or Childhood Bipolar Disorder

A second type of depression that afflicts children and teens is bipolar depression. Childhood Bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed, causing a great deal of frustration for parents and their child. Bipolar depression is similar to clinical depression in children and teens, but with a few exceptions: Children tend to cycle from depressed moods to normal or mania daily or even several times a day. As the child reaches adolescence, these swings become less frequent, but are as intense. Because bipolar children are over sensitive to medications, anti depressant medications are not recommended. However, a doctor may feel more comfortable prescribing antidepressant medication for teens.

Warning Signs for Teenage Mania

Unreal expectations, Acting or feeling on top of the world, ‘I can do anything’
Wild erratic, or euphoric behavior, irresponsible driving or partying
Staying up late or needing little sleep
Overly excited talking, racing thoughts, jumping from one subject to another
Rebellious, irritable, or tantrum throwing
Inability to get along with friends or family members

Light therapy for Childhood depression and Childhood bipolar depression

Depressed children and adolescents also suffer from delayed circadian rhythms. This means they have a lot of trouble getting up in the morning and could sleep in, sometimes until late afternoon or later. The problem with this circadian disruption is that the child’s body clock uses the sleep wake cycle to know when to release the active mood hormones. Thus the sleep imbalance is causing the depression and bipolar symptoms to be much worse. Using specialized therapeutic light is the quickest way to regulate proper sleep/wake and energy cycles.

Click here to learn more about light therapy and depression.

A circadian rhythm assessment test is also available to help determine if a body clock problem is contributing to the depression.

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Service Lighting and Electrical Supplies, Inc.
124 Gross Road, Suite D, Mesquite, Texas 75149
Office: 972-288-2277 Fax: 972-288-2257