Acute Depressive Conditions

Sometimes depressed mood starts suddenly, in response to a stressful event. There are two such "acute" depressive conditions recognized by mental health professionals. These are: Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood and Grief Reaction(s).

In this case, a teen is experiencing a very distressing event that is not extreme enough to be considered a trauma, but nevertheless profoundly affects her mood. School changes or breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, for example, are common triggers of depressed moods. When the depressed mood persists for a month or more, this is called an adjustment disorder. Although unpleasant, adjustment disorders are usually not accompanied by the disturbances of sleep, appetite, energy and concentration, nor by the extreme hopelessness or extremely low self-worth characteristic of major depression. In an adjustment disorder, the change in mood is entirely related to the distressing event, and tends to resolve as the teen adjusts to the new reality (usually, a few days to a few weeks at the most) and finds new sources of enjoyment.

In Nadine's case, for example, she contacted some of her old friends and found out about the struggles they faced at their new school. Her predicament didn't seem so uniquely difficult, and she found comfort in commiserating with them. Eventually, she found a sympathetic teacher at the new school who encouraged her to write for the yearbook, and the peers involved in this activity became her friends. In some cases, supportive counseling is needed to help teens adapt.

If your son or daughter experiences mood changes related to a distressing event, try to provide comfort while maintaining normal routines. If the mood change per­sists for several months, or you think there might be a risk of self-harm, have him seen by a doctor to clarify the diagnosis and assess whether or not treatment is needed.



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