Expectations (prognosis)
Depressive episodes usually respond to treatment, and early and comprehensive treatment of depression in adolescence may prevent further episodes. However, about half of seriously depressed teens are likely to have continued problems with depression as adults.
Complications
Teenage suicide is associated with depression as well as many other factors. Depression frequently interferes with school performance and interpersonal relationships. Teens with depression often have other psychiatric problems, such as anxiety disorders.
Depression is also commonly associated with violence and reckless behavior. Drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse frequently coexist with depression. Adolescents with additional psychiatric problems usually require longer and more intensive treatment.
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if one or more warning signs of potential suicide are present.
Be alert to the following signs:
- Withdrawal, with urge to be alone, isolation
- Moodiness
- Personality change
- Threat of suicide
- Giving most cherished possessions to others
NEVER IGNORE A SUICIDE THREAT OR ATTEMPT!
Prevention
Periods of depressed mood are common in most adolescents. However, supportive interpersonal relationships and healthy coping skills can help prevent such periods from leading to more severe depressive symptoms. Open communication with your teen can help identify depression earlier.
Counseling may help teens deal with periods of low mood. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches depressed people ways of fighting negative thoughts and recognizing them as symptoms, not the truth about their world, is the most effective non-medication treatment for depression. Ensure that counsellors or psychologists sought are trained in this method.
For adolescents with a strong family history of depression, or with multiple risk factors, episodes of depression may not be preventable. For these teens, early identification and prompt and comprehensive treatment of depression may prevent or postpone further episodes.
References
MacKenzie DL, Gover AR, Armstrong GS, Mitchell O. A National Study Comparing the Environments of Boot Camps With Traditional Facilities for Juvenile Offenders. Washington, DC. National Institute of Justice, US Dept. of Justice; 2001.
Borque B, Han M, Hill S. A National Survey of Aftercare Provisions for Boot Camp Graduates. Washington, DC. National Institute of Justice, US Dept. of Justice; 1996.
Bottcher J, Isorena T. First-year evaluation of the California Youth Authority Boot Camp. In: D MacKenzie, E Herbert, eds. Correctional Boot Camps: A Tough Intermediate Sanction. Washington, DC: National Institute of Justice, US Dept of Justice; 1995.
MacKenzie D, Souryal C. Multi-site Evaluation of Shock Incarceration. Washington, DC: National Institute of Justice, US Dept of Justice; 1994.
Peters M, Thomas D, Zamberlan C. Boot Camps for Juvenile Offenders Program Summary. Washington, DC: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, US Dept of Justice; 1997.
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