Depression Statistics

Adolescent depression is a condition most often taken for granted in view of the hormonal imbalance teenagers are presumed to be going through during their adolescence period. But depression statistics alarmingly indicate that approximately four out of every 100 teenagers suffer from serious depression each year according to the Phsychology Information Online. Depression facts further provides that being a precursor for suicide, it is the third leading cause of death for the age range of 15 to 24-year olds according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

To determine depression symptoms, there are significant aspects that parents must learn in order to differentiate depression from the normal moodiness which is common during puberty stage. The HelpGuide.org enumerated four of the most common and unique symptoms of teen depression. They are:

1. Irritability

2. Unexplained physical aches or pains

3. Extreme sensitiveness to criticism

4. Social withdrawal from some people

It is said that severeness of condition and notable duration of depressive symptoms are the significant signals to require immediate professional treatment. Depression statistics, as discussed by the TeenDepression.org provides that episodes of teen depression generally last for about eight months.

The urgency of depression treatment may be explained by association of another form of psychological disorder called "Dysthymia". This mild but long lasting psychological disorder may develop into bipolar disorder. Depression statistics mentioned in the TeenDepression.org further indicates that approximately 15% of teens with depression eventually develop bipolar disorder.

Further, great risks are involved in dealing with the common possible effects of psychological depression. Most rebellious and unhealthy behaviors or attitudes among teens are indications of this condition according to the HelpGuide.org. Familiar scenarios such as reckless behavior, substance abuse, and violence are the apparent manifestations of untreated depression. This may also include eating disorders, self-injury and the most extreme case of suicide.

What makes adolescent depression highly critical compared to other conditions? Depression statistics provide that only 20% of depressed teens sufficiently receive help. Unlike grown-ups, they unfortunately still rely on others who may hardly recognize their suffering.

The American Academy of Children and Adolescent seeks to emphasize that depression is a real illness that requires professional help. Standard treatment not only involves the subject adolescent because it may even require complete family therapy.

Depressive behavior and emotions among teens is very damaging that it needs to be addressed without doubt thereby discouraging the idea that symptoms might go away. Denial does not negate the established symptoms of this case because this also consists a very strong emotion.

Parents' approach in the form of gentle communications, listening and other supportive gestures may also help a depressed teenager. There are, however, some worth to mention activities which parents must avoid during this crisis, such as:

1. To avoid being harsh;

2. To avoid criticizing or passing judgment once teenager child begins to talk; and

3. To avoid giving unsolicited advice or ultimatums.

4. To avoid taking child's feelings silly or irrational.

These parental tips are very critical since the adolescent child is encouraged in this event to open up about the pain, sadness and other causes of the depression.