Comprehensive Analysis of Adolescent Depression: Causes and Treatments

This essay provides a comprehensive overview of adolescent depression, a prevalent mental health issue affecting approximately 5% of adolescents. It explores four distinct types of depression: adjustment disorder with depressed mood, dysthymia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. The essay highlights the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms for effective treatment, often involving a combination of therapy and medication. It discusses the efficacy and potential adverse effects of antidepressants, referencing studies that highlight the need for careful consideration of their use. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is presented as an effective therapeutic approach. The essay concludes by emphasizing the critical role of early recognition and intervention for improving outcomes in adolescents struggling with depression. The provided essay is a student's work and is available on Desklib, a platform that provides AI-based study tools for students.

Depression in Adolescents
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DEPRESSION IN ADOLESCENTS 2
Depression in Adolescents
Adolescence is a critical stage in the development of skills, the ability to regulate
emotions and relationships, and the acquisition of qualities and talents necessary for maturity.
Adolescent depression is a prevalent mental health problem, with a frequency of approximately
5% in the middle to late adolescence (Read, & Williams, 2018). It is a significant risk factor for
suicide and can also negatively affect social and educational functioning. As a result, it is critical
to recognize and treat this disease. However, not all depressions are equal. There are four distinct
forms of depression that are frequently encountered among teens. Recognizing the signs and
symptoms of adolescent depression might be critical to obtaining teen therapy.
The adjustment disorder with depressed mood is the primary type of depression among
adolescents. According to (Boaden et al., 2020), adjustment disorders are a collection of
symptoms that can emerge when an individual struggle to cope with a stressful life event.
Transitioning to a new school, losing a loved one, or coping with a parent's divorce are all
examples of changes that might trigger an adjustment disorder in adolescents. Dysthymia is the
second type of depression (Persistent Depressive Disorder). Adolescents with dysthymia are
frequently irritable and may have low energy, low self-esteem, and thoughts of hopelessness.
Dysthymia frequently impairs focus and decision-making. Bipolar disorder is another type of
depression that affects adolescents. According to (Oud et al., 2019), Bipolar disorder is
characterized by depressive episodes followed by manic or hypomanic phases. The adolescent
with bipolar disorder expresses a decreased need for sleep, difficulties concentrating, and a short
temper. Lastly, major depression is the prime type of depression among teenagers. It is
characterized by chronic sorrow and irritation, suicidal thoughts, a lack of interest in pleasurable
activities, and frequent bodily aches and pains complaints. Major depression can have a

DEPRESSION IN ADOLESCENTS 3
significant impact on one's ability to function at home and school. Treatment is often a
combination of treatment and medication.
Although antidepressants are given for various depression disorders to adolescents, there
is still debate concerning their appropriate usage in this population. (Boaden et al., 2020)
conducted a meta-analysis to determine the efficacy of antidepressants in children and
adolescents with anxiety disorders and major depressive disorder (MDD). Efficacy was defined
as the patient's reaction to therapy. Tolerability was also quantified as the proportion of patients
who discontinued therapy owing to adverse events. This investigation revealed that all
antidepressants have the potential to cause adverse mental and suicide-related consequences.
Similarly, Read and Williams (2018) conducted an online survey of an international
sample of antidepressant users to establish their experiences. The study surveyed 1,431
respondents on Twitter from 38 countries. Antidepressant medicines, according to the research,
are meant to target neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate mood and emotion. When an
adolescent is depressed, antidepressant medication can be highly beneficial, even lifesaving.
However, while it may assist some individuals with their symptoms, it is not a cure for
depression and is seldom a long-term solution. Some individuals who initially respond well to
medicine might relapse into depression over time, as can those who quit taking the drug.
Additionally, antidepressants can have undesirable side effects such as suicidal thoughts. Given
previous results that antidepressants are just moderately more effective than placebo, the study's
findings revealed a cost-benefit analysis that cannot support these medications' excessively high
prescription rates.

DEPRESSION IN ADOLESCENTS 4
Oud et al. (2019) conducted a comprehensive analysis of randomized controlled trials to
determine cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) efficacy in children and adolescents with
depression. The research was conducted using the databases CENTRAL, CINAHL, MEDLINE,
and PsycINFO. The outcomes were meta-analyzed, and the GRADE technique was used to
determine the level of confidence in the results. This research enrolled 4335 people in 31 trials.
CBT was observed to reduce depression symptoms after treatment and during follow-up.
According to Oud et al. (2019), CBT led to a 63 percent reduction in the probability of being
depressed during follow-up. Moreover, CBT that included behavioral activation and caregiver
engagement was related to superior long-term results for adolescents.
Conclusively, recognizing the signs and symptoms of adolescent depression is very
critical to obtaining therapy. CBT is a therapeutic technique that allows teenagers with
depression to overcome wrong self-beliefs that contribute to depressive emotions and behaviors.

DEPRESSION IN ADOLESCENTS 5
Reference
Boaden, K., Tomlinson, A., Cortese, S., & Cipriani, A. (2020). Antidepressants in children and
adolescents: meta-review of efficacy, tolerability and suicidality in acute treatment.
Frontiers in psychiatry, 11, 717.
Oud, M., De Winter, L., Vermeulen-Smit, E., Bodden, D., Nauta, M., Stone, L., ... &
Stikkelbroek, Y. (2019). Effectiveness of CBT for children and adolescents with
depression: A systematic review and meta-regression analysis. European psychiatry, 57,
33-45.
Read, J., & Williams, J. (2018). Adverse effects of antidepressants reported by a large
international cohort: emotional blunting, suicidality, and withdrawal effects. Current drug
safety, 13(3), 176-186.