Depression On Teens - Three Rare but Possible Causes

Past Experience - Depression on teens

In some forms of psychotherapy, the focus is on uncovering or exploring events in the past that may have led to the person's depressed state. This information can be helpful in better understanding the current situation, but it does not necessarily change the individual's depressed mood.

The past is relevant to the extent that it affects current thoughts, feelings, and behav­iors. If repeating destructive patterns can be found, these are worth examining and chang­ing. In depression on teens, however, such patterns are not always evident, and if they are, they often take time to change. Nevertheless, it is surprising how many people are effectively treated for depression with no need to re-examine the past or find the psychological "roots" of their depression. Many depressed people do better looking forward than looking back, focusing on changing current behaviors and thoughts (a so-called "cognitive-behavioral'' perspective) is a forward-looking approach to depression that has been shown to be helpful in adolescents and adults alike.

Hormones

Some girls and women experience depressed mood consistently at certain points in their menstrual cycle. Currently termed "premenstrual dysphoric disorder," this condition can respond to antidepressant medications. In girls with irregular cycles (common the first year or two after menstruation begins), birth control pills that regulate the cycles may regulate associated mood problems as well. Given that most girls' cycles eventually become more regular, however, our practice is to advise pa­tience, and only provide medication when depressive symptoms are severe or do not resolve when the cycles become regular.

Sudden hormonal changes—as occur after giving birth, for example—can cer­tainly trigger depression. Therefore, depression is particularly common in women after having a baby (so-called "postpartum depression"), especially if there has been a previous depressive episode. Because this form of depression can be particularly severe, early contact with a mental health professional is essential.

Lack of Sunlight

There is a subtype of depression on teens called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) that has been linked to the lack of sun exposure people in the Northern Hemisphere expe­rience in the winter months (and people in the Southern Hemisphere experience in the summer months). For people who consistently get depressed during seasons that lack sunshine and not at other times of the year, this diagnosis may apply. Some of these people experience improved mood when treated with photo therapy (bright lights, brighter than ordinary room lighting).

If you think your child or teen may have Seasonal Affective Disorder, talk to the doctor. However, don't leap to conclusions if your youngster is depressed in the win­ter. Remember: winter is associated with less sun, but also with more school. Any stress at school, whether it's academic problems, a tough teacher, or a peer problem, can contribute to depression. For this reason, talk to a professional before considering photo therapy, and only use an approved bright light device. Don't risk sunburn or eye damage by exposing your child to extra sunlight.



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