Teenage Depression Treatment
According to Mental Health America, recent surveys have indicated that one in five teens suffer from clinical depression. Teenagers suffering from depression often lose the excitement and enthusiasm for the activities they used to enjoy, such as school, sports, and socializing with friends. If untreated, severe teenage depression can lead to other issues like substance abuse, eating disorders, and even suicidal thoughts.
Understanding Teenage Depression
What is Teen Depression?
All teenagers experience pain and loss at some point in their lives. These symptoms generally pass in a few days or weeks, depending on the circumstances, but if they persist and impact your teen’s daily life, then they may be suffering from clinical depression. Teen depression is when adolescents constantly feel an extreme and overwhelming sadness for sometimes no reason at all. Signs of clinical depression in teens include sluggishness or lack of energy, irritability, lack of hygiene, pessimistic outlook, appetite changes, lack of motivation, and social withdrawal.
Teen Depression Causes
Different Causes For Teen Depression
One of the main causes of teenage depression is that teen’s become overwhelmed by societal pressures like friendships and school. Teens may feel as if they can’t handle what they’re going through so they retreat. Another cause of teen depression is genetics. Depression can be inherited from parents or other family members. Other causes of depression may include trauma, sexual abuse, family issues like divorce, hormonal changes, substance abuse, and learning disabilities. This is often the question on many parents’ minds Where can I send my out of control teenager?
Teen Depression Types
Types of Depression in Teens
Depression manifests in a variety of forms and there is no one-size-fits-all explanation. One should know about the various types of depression and their unique symptoms to find the right support and treatment. Here are the most common types of depression among teens.
MAJOR DEPRESSION
Also known as major depressive disorder, major depression is characterized by a depressed mood and a loss of interest and pleasure in everyday life. Depression symptoms can occur daily and last weeks or months. However, regardless of the symptoms, major depression will always affect one’s life with this diagnosis.
PERSISTENT DEPRESSION
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) is a form of long-term depression. It is a recent diagnosis that combines dysthymia with major depression. PDD, like other forms of depression, is characterized by constant feelings of sorrow and hopelessness. These feelings can last for years, interfering with relationships, schoolwork, and day-to-day activities.
BIPOLAR DISORDERS
Bipolar disorder is the new term to describe manic depression. This consists of periods of mania or hypomania, where a teen feels very happy, alternating with episodes of depression. These drastic mood changes can often destroy relationships and make studying, working, or having social interactions challenging.
SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (SAD)
Also known as seasonal depression, SAD is a form of depression that occurs in the winter, as the days become shorter and the sunshine decreases. It usually disappears when spring arrives, but it can become severe and cause suicidal thoughts.
SITUATIONAL DEPRESSION
Situational depression is often caused by stress and lasts for a brief period of time. It might be diagnosed as an adjustment disorder with a depressed mood. It usually manifests as a result of a traumatic incident or chain of events. Approximately 30% of teens experience this condition at some point.
ATYPICAL DEPRESSION
Atypical depression was once considered a kind of depression, but it’s no longer recognized as a distinct disease by the American Psychiatric Association. It is a fairly common disorder where the depressive mood can temporarily disappear if teens experience a positive event.
Teen Depression Treatment Options
Teenage Depression Treatment
There are many teen depression help options. Key Healthcare provides teen depression treatment, and we develop individualized treatment plans to ensure long-term recovery. If you are interested in learning more about our adolescent depression treatment options, contact us today.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP)
Our adolescent intensive outpatient program takes place 9 hours per week over the course of 4-12 weeks. Your teen will participate in therapy sessions that help them work through the reasons for their depression.
Partial Hospitalization Treatment (PHP)
Our PHP Treatment for teen depression takes place 8 hours per day, 5 days a week, for 3-4 weeks. Teens will attend therapy sessions where they will develop the coping skills needed to manage their depression and treat underlying mental health issues.
Teen Residential Treatment Program
Key Healthcare’s teen residential treatment program is a 45-60 day program in Malibu, California, where adolescents receive the highest level of care, with 24/7 support.
Extended Care
Our male-only teen extended care center for depression is a combination of our partial hospitalization program and sober living. Your teen will have around-the-clock support to treat all mental health and substance abuse issues related to his depression.
Individual and Group Therapy
We utilize a variety of teen group therapies and individual teen therapy to treat depression and dual-diagnosis substance abuse, including cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, and acceptance and commitment therapy. During sessions, teens will learn coping skills and how to process their emotions.
Insurances We Accept
Up to 100% of the Costs Covered by Insurance
Key Healthcare works with a majority of health insurance providers and depending on your plan, 100% of the costs may be covered. Verify your insurance to get more information about your coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Teen Depression FAQs
Get answers to frequently asked questions about teenage depression.
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How Do You Motivate A Depressed Teenager?
- Motivating a teenager with depression is hard. However, one thing you can do is to listen without judgment and be there. Make sure your teen feels that they are not alone in this journey. Your constant support, love, and presence can significantly help in the recovery process. At the same time, consult a trustworthy expert for advice on how to approach your teen. Doctors may recommend individual, group, or family counseling, therapies, or medicines to help your teen feel better again.
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What Age Group Has The Highest Rate Of Depression?
- According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association, adolescents aged 12 to 17 years old had the greatest prevalence rate of depression with 14.4%, followed by young adults aged 18 to 25 years old with a record of 13.8%.
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What Medication Is Used For Teenage Depression?
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized fluoxetine (Prozac) and escitalopram (Lexapro) as treatments for adolescent depression. Any antidepressants must be prescribed and taken under the doctor’s supervision. Discuss drug alternatives and consider the advantages, risks, and possible side effects with your teen. In addition, the majority of research suggests that a combination of medications and therapies can dramatically help a person suffering from depression.
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Can Teen Depression Go Away Without Medical Treatment?
- Teen depression is a severe medical condition that needs attention. Your teen must receive the appropriate teen depression treatment to avoid additional problems. The chances to overcome a major depression without medical or clinical assistance are slim. Remember that your teen’s life is precious, and it must be protected at all costs. If your teen is suffering from depression, do not hesitate and seek help today.
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