Symptoms, causes, treatments, populations affected

Depression Prolonged feelings of helplessness,

hopelessness, and sadness.

Reactive (Situational): response to a stressful event. Usually goes away on its own.

Major: medical condition requiring treatment.

SAMHSA Statistics (2004) 9% of adolescents experienced a

depressive episode over the last year. Girls – 13.1% Boys – 5% No differences in ethnic group, SES in

incidence, but those with health insurance were more likely to get treatment.

<50% received help for depression. Those with depression were twice as likely

to smoke, use alcohol and illicit drugs.

Symptoms of Teen Depression Many young people do not act sad or

seem outwardly different to their friends. Irritable or restless moods Inability to concentrate Withdrawal from friends Change in appetite or weight Feelings of guilt or worthlessness Sense of hopelessness

Causes of Depression Research now indicates that substance

abuse in boys and girls, and sexual behavior in girls is cause for subsequent depression in adolescents.

There is a significant risk of developing a major depression within one year of starting to smoke.Teenage smoking reached a peak in

Wisconsin in 1999 (38.1% of seniors) and has declined to 20.9%.

Causes, continued

Genetic (family history or living with a parent who is depressed)

MedicalHypertension, diabetes, eating disorders,

thyroid deficiency, major medical procedures

Traumatic life event Life stressors (divorce, several moves,

parents with substance abuse issues)

Treatment for Depression Professional Counseling

Helps to understand feelings and problems, and how to deal with them

Individual counseling, family therapy, or group therapy

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy - recognizing unhelpful or destructive patterns of thinking and reacting, then replacing these with more realistic or helpful ones

Treatment for Depression Medication

Most effective if used in combination with counseling

Can correct biochemical imbalances that cause depressive feelings and behaviors

Takes 3 to 6 weeks to take full effectSSRI’s (Prozac, Paxil), Wellbutrin, Tricyclics

(Tofranil, Norpramin)

Suicide

The act of intentionally taking one’s own life.

Though most thoughts of committing suicide are impulsive and temporary, the unfortunate consequence – death or debilitating injury- is permanent.

Risk Factors 90% of those who kill themselves are

suffering from depression or mental disorders.

History of physical or sexual abuse Alcohol or drug abuse

50% of teen suicides involve alcohol use History of previous suicide attempts Family history of emotional disorders or

suicide

Risk Factors, continued Imitation (cluster effect)

Accounts for almost 5% of all teen suicides Access to guns

Guns at home, unlocked, increase risk 15-20 fold

Precipitating event (disciplinary, humiliation, breakup, humiliation)Teens – boys especially – are more at risk

before crisis is resolved (anticipation worse than actual resolution)

Warning Signs

Verbal:Direct statements: I want to die, I don’t want

to live anymore, I wish I where deadIndirect statements: They will be sorry when

I’m gone, Nothing matters, I won’t have to put up with this much longer.

Writing poems, songs or lyrics about deathSuicide threats

Warning Signs Non-verbal or behavioral

Withdrawal from friendsImpulsive, irrational or unusual behaviorPreoccupation with giving personal belongings

awayViolent actionsSubstance abuseDramatic changes in personality, hygiene or

appearanceRecent crises (disciplinary, breakup, loss)

Helping Others Initiate a meaningful conversation

Show interestListenBe patient and understanding

Show support and ask questionsOffer hope – let them know that alternatives are

availableAsk them if they are planning to kill themselves

Try to persuade the person to seek helpGet them to talk with a parent, teacher, counselorOffer to go with them to get helpDo not promise secrecy