Is Your Teenager Depressed? Find Out The Four Top Causes Of Teenage Depression

Depression and teenage depression is alarmingly common than expected these days, little wonder it is called ''the common cold of mental illness''. But what causes teenage depression and indeed depression? I have described some of the top causes or triggers of teenage depression in this article;

Genetic Causes: There appears to be an inherited genetic defect believed to predispose some persons to some form of depression like manic depression and even teenage depression according to research. This implies that major depressive disorder may be partly the result of inherited factors. This genetic form of depression is called endogenous depression. This suggests that depression indeed runs in some families. Apart from this, there is also a greater tendency for identical twins to share a history of major depression than fraternal twins according to research. These points suggest a genetic cause for teenage depression.

Hormone Imbalance: Another very likely cause of teenage depression is hormonal imbalance specifically due to the malfunction of the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus in the brain regulates internal functions like appetite, sexual interest and even mood. Thus, any disruption in the normal operations of the hypothalamus or hormonal imbalance due to various factors including stress might result in depression.

Environmental Factors: The following external or environmental factors can trigger the onset of depression. In general:

• A trauma ( such as experiencing a rape and the death of a loved one)

• A divorce

• The loss of a job

• Having a poor interpersonal relations

• Physical illness and

• Stress

Any of the above external factors may represent the initial stimulus that ignites your teen's internal organs particularly the hypothalamus that regulates his mood. Thus, when any of these factors are present, your teen may experience a degree of depression.

Your Teen's Diet: Your teenager's diet can also be a major cause of depression. If your teen eats ''junk food'', skip meals and even go for weeks without eating green vegetables, your teen might be very prone to depression. If he or she eats a balanced meal regularly coupled with moderation with the consumption of foods like pies, chocolate, candy and soda pop, he will be greatly relieved of depression.

I have examined four major possible causes of teenage depression which are; nutrition, environmental factors, hormone imbalance and genetic causes. If your teen is presently experiencing depression at the moment, chances are that it may have stemmed from any of the causes discussed in this article. To find out about other causes not described in this article Click Here.

Emmanuel Heart is a Psychologist and owner of various health blogs. He has consistently provided counseling and help on various health and psychological issues for over a decade. Do you need further details about teenage depression and depression? You can find this and a very helpful ebook about treatments for depression at www.teenagedepressiontips.blogspot.com

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Teenage Depression - Types of Depression

Depression is a clinical condition categorised by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual as being short-lasting and severe known as a Major Depression Disorder (MDD) or long-lasting but less severe known as Dysthymia Disorder (DD).

The onset of a Major Depressive Disorder in teens usually manifests through the teen displaying irritability, low mood or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities for at least 2 weeks continuously. Because Major Depression occurs in short bouts with periods of feeling fine in between, this could easily be mistaken for typical teenage behaviour. However, it is important to note that the signs and symptoms associated with a Major Depressive episode are very severe, even by the standards of common teenage behaviour. Therefore it is important not to be misdirected when the teen appears to be okay for periods in between.

Dysthymia Disorder on the other hand does not occur in bouts, but is experienced by the teen for a continuous period of time. However, unlike Major Depression, Dysthymia is characterised by a low level of depressed mood. Teenagers who experience this type of depression are often labelled as 'moody' as a characteristic of their personalities. While this may be typical of most teenagers, it is important to look out for other signs and symptoms associated with depression, such as a pervasive sense of hopelessness. While the severity of depressed mood is not as bad as Major Depression, the pervasiveness of low mood can aggravate feelings of helplessness and hopelessness typically experienced in depression.

Another type depression that is directly associated with stressful life changes is know as Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood. Change is a major characteristic of the teenager's life stage, which is why this form of depression is so common in teenagers. It is important to recognise the high value placed on certain occupations in a teenager's life. Even changing schools can be highly stressful to a teenager. A resilient teenager will find adaptive ways to cope with the stress of major change, whereas a maladaptive reaction to change results can result in an adjustment disorder.

Statistics show that teenagers who experience depression or depressed mood have an increased risk of developing another mental condition with depressive elements known as Bipolar Disorder. This disorder is also commonly known as Manic-Depressive Disorder because it is characterised by sudden swings between intense depression and bursts of extreme activity and energy.

Anne Ross is a Psychotherapist, Counsellor, Crises facilitator, Cranial Sacral and Myofascial Therapist, including various other Massage/Body/Energy techniques, but above all she is a mother. She is an accredited member of the Traditional-Medicine Society and the Association of Transactional Analysis. My must read book: "All you wanted to know about Teen Depression", is available at: [http://www.depression-teenage.com]

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