Two Problems that Are Associated with Depressed Moods

Sometimes teens experience depressed moods that are associated with other problems such as medical problems or psychological problems. It does not mean that their symptoms are not serious or concerning, it means that they are caused by different factors. In order to treat the problem accurately and effectively, it is important for it to be properly diagnosed.

Drepressed Mood Related to Medical Problems

Several specific medical conditions can result in depression. In addition, struggling with any chronic illness can become discouraging and depressing over time.

Recognizing medical conditions that cause depression is important because treating them appropriately may avoid long, ineffective courses of psychotherapy or antidepressant therapy. Most can be ruled out by a family doctor doing a history physical examination, and (in some cases) blood tests.

There is no physical test for depression itself, however. There are literally hundreds of diseases and medications that can affect mood, so only some of the more common ones found in teens will be listed here:

• Hypothyroidism (low function of the thyroid gland) can mimic depression. Weight gain, sluggishness, sensitivity to the cold, and dry skin often accompany this condition.

• Infectious mononucleosis (the so-called "kissing disease," caused by a virus) is another common cause of fatigue and low mood in teens.

• Poor eating habits can result in anemia (not enough red blood cells), with associated fatigue and low mood.

• A variety of drugs (whether prescription, over-the-counter, or street drugs) can affect mood. Teens who are drinking alcohol regularly, for example, often go through cycles of intoxication and withdrawal that disturb their moods.

• Starting the birth control pill can result in hormonal changes that induce depressed moods in some girls. For similar reasons, premenstrual depressed mood occurs in others.

• Chronically ill teens taking corticosteroids (for example, for rheumatic diseases or chronic kidney or liver conditions) can experience mood disturbance, with either elation or depression.

• Finally, medical conditions resulting in disability can be depressing. Accidents that result in sudden disability (for example, diving accidents resulting in paralysis) can be especially devastating because they rob the teen of previously cherished hopes and dreams.

Depression Mood Related to Other Psychological Problems

Certain problems cluster together in families, suggesting that children vulnerable to one may be more vulnerable to the others. Depression, anxiety, and alcoholism have all been linked in this way Therefore, teens with anxiety or alcohol problems often manifest depression as well. Other psychological problems can also overlap, when they are chronic and untreated. Children with undiagnosed attention problems or learning disabilities, for example, can become increasingly discouraged over me as they are unable to succeed academically. Children with behavioral problems often receive negative feedback, until they come to see themselves as "nothing but trouble." This negative identity certainly predisposes teens to depression.



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