The Causes of Adolescent Depression

This topic came from the thought that depression is something that all of us have experienced at some point in our lives. It focuses on adolescents because during this period we are young and vulnerable and may not know how to cope with situations or circumstances that may lead us into depression. Factors such as going through puberty and issues at home with parents can all cause depression. This paper will talk about what is depression, how families can affect depression in the child, and how depression can lead to long term effects.

Depression is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors (“Depression: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments” 2015). Researchers are becoming increasingly aware that depression runs in families (Kam,2009) meaning that certain genes may make people prone to depression suggesting a biological vulnerability. The biological factors that have some effect on the hereditary and biological influences of depression are the genes, hormones, and brain chemicals.

Depression is a common disorder throughout the world that affects all age groups. Although rare in young children, depression disrupts the lives of many teenagers. In the United States, 11.2% of 13 to 18 year olds are affected by depressive disorders annually (National Institute of Mental Health). Depression during youth is particularly destructive since it not only causes a loss of relationships and

Depression is a major predictor of a myriad of negative outcomes such as poor academic achievement, low self-esteem, decreased pro-social relationships, and higher risks of substance abuse (Healy, 2016). Additionally, these negative outcomes experienced by depressed teens may be even more apparent if the depression remains untreated. Findings mentioned earlier by Jones (2013) have also confirmed that this sensitive period in an individual’s life is particularly vulnerable to depressive symptoms that could lead to dire outcomes. These negative outcomes found by Jones (2013) concur with many of the same outcomes Healy mentioned. Moreover, research by Jaycox, Stein, and Paddock (2009) further delves into the impact of teen depression on these negative outcomes. Their study broadens knowledge on negative outcomes in teen depression by examining them over a long period of time. The data is compared to teens that are not depressed, but experience the same negative consequences. Results from the research concluded that the negative outcomes such as school achievement and poor relationships were significantly more severe in depressed teens. After stating the major consequences depressed adolescents experienced, their study further found that treating adolescents may not only have clinical symptom benefits, but also greatly

You see, depression is a mood disorder that can be inherited not only genetically, but seemingly out of nowhere (Peacock). If the it is not in immediate family, then doctors blame the stress of teen life and the mind’s ability to only look at all the negatives, not the positives, in a very pessimistic view (Roth). Many of these medical

In regards to genes, depression could be explained in terms of genetic predispositions. Research in the area of twin and adoption studies has shown that there is a genetic link to depression. As a result it is being advocated some individuals may have genes that predispose them to depression and other mood disorders.

Does genetics or a child’s environment and surroundings have a greater impact on causing teen depression? “Rates of depression and anxiety among teenagers have increased by 70 per cent in the past 25 years” (Bedell 1). Teen depression, whether caused by the situation the teen is in, (getting a bad a grade, family relationships, and how they were raised), or it being genetics getting passed down to the teen from parents, depression is a serious issue. Nature vs. nurture has been debated over the years about which one is the main cause of human development. Such a debate can be made for specific human development like depression and other mental diseases. Both “nature”

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Where does teen depression come from?Teen depression comes from certain issues or thing’s that’s going on at home like sleeping excessively,have change in eating habits and may even exhibit criminal behaviors such as DUI or shoplifting for example complaints of pain,including headaches,stomach aches,low back pain,fatigue,and rebellious behavior these behaviors usually come from certain levels like family heritage,generations,& other habitats some teens have teen depression because of some thing’s that’s going on in their communities.Is it really necessary that teens have teen depression these days?To be honest it really is because kids now of days teens can’t handle situations like adults can so teenagers sometimes feel unhappy at times and

Depression can be caused by a death in the family, death of a friend, or if they were recently broken up with. Depression in teens is harder to detect because their moods are usual in a normal teen’s life. Most teens with depression have an obsession with death, such as suicidal thoughts or

Depression is the most widespread mental illness in today’s society. Studies have found that, 1 out of 8 teens are affected with this disease. It also predominantly affects young ladies than it does males. (www.kidshealth.org). Teens are at a position in their lives when they must face significant transition and peer pressures. They are trying to identify with themselves and trying to figure out where there puzzle piece fits in society, all of which can show the way to behavioral and emotional changes. This is also a stage when families suffer from poor communication: teenagers often tend to keep their feelings and concerns to themselves away from their parents and other authority figures. Therefore, identifying depression in teenagers

Only in the past two decades, have depression and suicide been taken seriously. Depression is an illness that involves the body, mood and thoughts. Depression affects the way a person eats and sleeps, feels about themselves, and the way they think of the things around them. It comes as no surprise to discover that adolescent depression is strongly linked to teen suicide. Adolescent suicide is now responsible for more deaths

Depression a word we’re familiar with especially when it comes to adults, we know adults get depress and we understand the reasons, with the high demands in life it’s not uncommon to get lost in the shuffle. Depression in adult is something we have known for many years, but what has surprised many of us is that adolescents also get depressed. I myself still don’t fully understand the reasons why or how this happens. I see it very often adolescent coming in to the ER because they are depressed and want to hurt themselves, and each and every single time I’m shock. What could be so bad in their lives that would make them think they have no way out? This is the reason why I choice this topic, I want to learn more of how this disease affects so many children and teens and what we can do to stop it.

Today’s teenagers are faced with the ever changing world around them and the biological changes of their bodies. Many teens are also faced with depression. Approximately half of teenagers with untreated depression may attempt suicide, which remains the third leading cause of death in this age group. (Bostic). This depression affects their school, family lives, and robs them of their self image. Depression affects many teens and often goes by unnoticed and untreated.

Over the years, people have argued and discussed about what could be possible causes of depression. Some experts believe that a person’s genes could be a determinative of whether he or she is inclined or genetically predisposed, to depression. Experts point it to the fact that depressive genes could run in families. Other specialists lessen the role of the person’s genetic, arguing that depression is generally caused by stress, trauma, or physical or mental illness.