1. Understanding Depression Slideshow
2. Take the Depression Quiz
3. Benefits of Depression Treatment

In this Article

• Recognizing teen depression
• What causes depression in adolescents?
• What are the symptoms and signs of depression in teenagers?
• Can teen depression run in families?
• How is depression diagnosed in adolescents?
• What is the treatment for teenage depression?
• Does depression medication work for depression in teens?
• What are the warning signs for teen suicide?
• What can parents do to alleviate depression in teenagers?
• Can't teen depression go away without medical treatment?
• Find a local Psychiatrist in your town
• Teen Depression Index

Yes. A large number of research trials have shown the effectiveness of depression medications in relieving the symptoms of teen depression. One key recent study, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, reviewed three different approaches to treating adolescents with moderate to severe depression:

• One approach was using the antidepressant medication Prozac, which is approved by the FDA for use with pediatric patients ages 8-18.
• The second treatment was using cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, to help the teen recognize and change negative patterns of thinking that may increase symptoms of depression.
• The third approach was a combination of medication and CBT.

At the end of the 12-week study, researchers found that nearly three out of every four patients who received the combination treatment -- depression medication and psychotherapy -- significantly improved. More than 60% of the kids who took Prozac alone improved. But the study confirmed that combination treatment was nearly twice as effective in relieving depression as psychotherapy alone.

Teen suicide is a serious problem. Adolescent suicide is the second leading cause of death, following accidents, among youth and young adults in the U.S. It is estimated that 500,000 teens attempt suicide every year with 5,000 succeeding. These are epidemic numbers.

Family difficulties, the loss of a loved one, or perceived failures at school or in relationships can all lead to negative feelings and depression. And teen depression often makes problems seem overwhelming and the associated pain unbearable. Suicide is an act of desperation and teen depression is often the root cause.

Warning signs of suicide with teen depression include:

• expressing hopelessness for the future
• giving up on one's self, talking as if no one else cares
• preparing for death, giving away favorite possessions, writing goodbye letters, or making a will
• starting to use/abuse drugs or alcohol to aid sleep or for relief from their mental anguish
• threatening to kill one's self

If your teenager displays any of these behaviors, you should seek help from a mental healthcare professional immediately. Or you can call a suicide hotline for help.

Depression carries a high risk of suicide. Anybody who expresses suicidal thoughts or intentions should be taken very, very seriously. Do not hesitate to call your local suicide hotline immediately. Call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).

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