Depression in adolescents: how to recognize

Adolescence is a difficult time for both teenagers and their parents. Mood swings and sensitivity to the environment can lead to depression in a teenager. What to do in such a situation?

Signs of depression in adolescents

To find out if a teenager is depressed, you should pay attention to the following signs:

• indifferent and indifferent attitude to what is happening around;
• lack of concentration and concentration;
• poor appetite, in some adolescents, on the contrary, there may be an increased;
• frequent complaints of pain in the head, abdomen or heart, while during the examination, the malfunction of the internal organs is not detected;
• irresponsibility and absent-mindedness;
• aggressive behavior;
• thoughts about death, which are expressed through drawings, conversations or actions;
• trouble sleeping at night and being too active during the day;
• deterioration in school performance and negative attitudes towards the educational institution;
• the desire to be alone and avoidance of communication with both relatives and peers;
• cravings for alcoholic beverages, cigarettes and drugs.

With the manifestation of some of these signs, it can be judged that the teenager is depressed. It is necessary to seek the advice of specialists.

A depressed teenager is usually always in a bad mood and inhibited physical activity. Slow thinking processes can also be observed.

Causes of depression in adolescents

The main cause of depression in adolescence is hormonal changes in the growing body. All people between the ages of 12 and 18 undergo such changes. However, hormonal changes occur during transitional age all in varying degrees of intensity.

Some adolescents go through this period by withdrawing into themselves. They can fall into lyrical moods and write sad poetry. Depression in such adolescents is mild and does not require medication. The behavior is easily corrected and they return to their usual measured life.

But some adolescents go through a stage of hormonal surge in a severe form. They may even develop suicidal tendencies. These young people are usually very suspicious and wary of those around them, from an early age. Many adolescents who are prone to depression are seen by a neurologist or psychiatrist.

This group also includes children from problem families and an orphanage. A teenager who is overprotected by his parents may also find himself in this group, since he does not have the opportunity to develop normally and learn responsibility for his actions.

In severe cases, it is imperative to undergo a course of treatment, otherwise it can lead to a deterioration in the mental state. This can lead to various psychological disorders and suicidal attempts.

The causes of depression can be associated with intrauterine pathology. Children who have been exposed to infections and lack of oxygen while in the womb are also prone to depression.

Depression can also be caused by strained relationships with peers at school.

The tendency to depressive states can be transmitted through genes. This condition is called endogenous depression. It can arise from a minor cause such as a bad grade or a fight with friends.

How to treat depression in adolescents

Noticing signs of depression in their child, parents, starting to scold him and conflict, push him even more to suicidal thoughts. To effectively cope with the stage of hormonal changes in a teenager, it is necessary to start treatment on time.

It is necessary to consult a psychiatrist or psychotherapist if:

• traces of self-harm in the form of cuts or knocked down fists were noticed on the child's body;
• the teenager refuses to eat for several days in a row;
• suicidal thoughts are traced through creative work or expressed thoughts;
• the child begins to behave inappropriately, often fights, enters into aggressive conflict situations and breaks the law;
• the teenager is isolated from the people around him;
• he has a progression of lethargy.

Before starting therapy, doctors must conduct studies and tests, based on which a specific course of treatment is prescribed. You can not self-medicate and hope for a resolution of the situation.

After the teenager has been examined by a neurologist, therapist and psychologist, treatment begins on the basis of the diagnosis. It can include taking antidepressants, various vitamins, hormones, and stimulants. Pain medications and medications to restore immune function may also be prescribed.

A must in the course of therapy from depression are classes with a psychologist. They can take place both individually and in a group.

To prevent the manifestation of depression in adolescents, it is recommended:

• treat your child with understanding;
• taking time to listen and help;
• accept the teenager as is, despite his shortcomings;
• avoid criticism and conflict situations;
• show ways to get out of conflicts by your own example;
• to engage the child in sports.