From a medical perspective, teenage depression is the same psychological and emotional condition as adult depression.

1. Teenage depression
Teenage depression is a psychological and emotional condition that, from a medical standpoint,
is identical to adult depression. Peer pressure, fluctuating hormone levels, and developing bodies
are just a few of the social and developmental issues teenagers may face. Depression is linked to
extreme levels of stress, anxiety, and suicide in the worst-case scenario. It may also have an
impact on these areas of a teen's life:
● Personal life (also known as how someone feels, thinks, or acts while they are alone
themselves and away from other people)
● Family life, social life, school life, and work life
● Other issues such as social isolation may result from this.
Depression is not something that can be "snapped out of" or simply cheered up. This is a genuine
medical illness that, if left untreated, can have a negative impact on a person's life in all respects.
Almost 3.2 million Americans between the ages of 12 and 17 experienced at least one severe
depressive episode in 2017, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Of 12-
to 17-year-olds in the US, they make up 13.3% of the population. A depressive episode was
reported by females about three times more frequently than by males.
Signs and symptoms of depression in teen
It might be challenging for parents to recognize the signs of depression. Sometimes people
confuse the common emotions of puberty and adolescent adjustment with depression. But
boredom or a lack of interest in school aren't the only symptoms of depression. Teen depression
symptoms include the following, per the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
(AACAP):
● Appearing depressed
● Angry, or tearful
● Alterations in appetite or weight
● Loss of interest in once-pleasurable activities
● Boredom is a frequent complaint
● An energy decline
● Difficulties concentrating
● Thoughts of worthlessness
● Abuse of alcohol or drugs
● Substantial modifications to sleep patterns
Some of these symptoms might not necessarily be signs of depression. Especially during growth
spurts and especially if your teen participates in sports, appetite shifts are frequently natural. Yet,
keeping an eye out for any changes in your teen's conduct can enable you to assist them when
they are in trouble.

2. Another red flag are self-destructive acts like cutting or burning. These actions may be
uncommon in adults, but they are more typical in adolescents. Although these actions are
typically not intended to kill a person's life, they must nonetheless be considered very seriously.
These normally pass when the teen learns to manage his or her impulses better and acquires new
coping mechanisms.
Causes of teen depression
Many brain differences
The anatomical differences between adolescent and adult brains have been demonstrated by
research. Hormonal and neurotransmitter imbalances can also occur in adolescents who are
depressed. In the brain, neurotransmitters play a significant role in the way that brain cells
communicate with one another. They are critical in controlling behaviour and mood. Serotonin,
dopamine, and norepinephrine are crucial neurotransmitters for our comprehension of
depression. According to the existing data, low levels of these neurotransmitters may lead to
depression.
Early in life experiencing trauma
Most kids don't have well-established coping skills. An unpleasant experience can leave a lasting
impression. A child's brain can be permanently altered by parental loss or by physical, emotional,
or sexual abuse, which may increase their risk of developing depression.
Qualities that are inherited
According to research, depression has a biological basis. It can be handed down through the
generations. Children are more prone to develop depression themselves if they have one or more
close relatives who suffer from the condition, particularly a parent.
Risk factors for teen depression
Teens may get depressed as a result of various factors, such as: having a hard time adjusting to
their sexual orientation, in the case of teens who are LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and more); having no social or emotional support; living in
a violent household; being bullied; having a chronic illness; experiencing a family crisis, such as
death or divorce.
Teenagers who struggle socially or who lack a support structure are at a particularly high risk of
developing depression. As do young individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
queer, according to a 2018 research assessment. Even kids who are LGBTQIA+ but don't
struggle with their sexuality are more likely to experience sadness. This is due to the fact that
outside influences might have a detrimental effect on how they regard themselves, such as stigma

3. from the outside world or a lack of familial acceptance. Teenage depression, however, is very
treatable once a diagnosis has been made.
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