Depression in Adolescents
Alternate Names : Teenage Depression
What are the treatments for the condition?
The two most common ways of treating depression in adolescents are with antidepressant medicines and psychotherapy. Often a combination is used. Occasionally, a teen must be hospitalized for intense treatment. Antidepressant medicines are effective in:
increasing the teen's ability to function in daily life
lowering the risk of suicide
making the teen feel better
Antidepressant medicines known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can be used in teens. Some common SSRIs include fluoxetine and paroxetine.
Psychotherapy can help adolescents:
cope better with having depression
feel less alone
improve relations with family, friends, and coworkers
learn about depression and how it affects them
learn to recognize and avoid situations that can bring on a depressive episode
learn to view the world and others more positively and more realistically
positively address problems that they may be facing
stop episodes of depression early by recognizing warning signs and symptoms
Treatment of depression in a teen should involve the family as well as the individual.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Antidepressants may cause mild and usually temporary side effects in some people. The most common side effects are:
agitation
constipation
dizziness
drowsiness
dry mouth
nausea
What happens after treatment for the condition?
An episode of depression in a teen usually responds to treatment with medicine and psychotherapy. The teen can help prevent relapses by living a healthy lifestyle. Some important parts of the healthy lifestyle include:
avoiding alcohol, illegal drugs, and smoking
doing regular exercise
eating a balanced diet, following the food guide pyramid
finding a support system for dealing with depression
finding ways to manage stress
getting enough rest
How is the condition monitored?
Once a teen has an episode of depression, he or she is at higher risk for further episodes. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider. The provider may recommend regular visits to monitor symptoms. The provider may also order blood tests to monitor the levels of medicines.
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