Depression, which is also called clinical or major depression, is a mental health condition that can affect you at any age or stage of your life. The symptoms of depression in teenagers are similar to those of people in other age groups, although certain forms of treatment are riskier in teenagers compared to others. According to the Mayo Clinic and the National Library of Medicine, treatments for depression in teens include medications and counseling.
Types
Psychotherapy such as counseling is a conservative treatment for depression in teenagers, and may be used along with antidepressant medications, electroconvulsive therapy, brain and nerve stimulation, and alternative medicine.
Features
Treatments for depression may need to be customized, and what works for one teenager may not work for another due to differences in symptoms and effectiveness of medications.
Benefits
Treating depression in teens can improve academic performance, build self confidence and the ability to make and maintain friendships.
Time Frame
Although some medications may reduce symptoms of depression within four to six weeks, teenagers may require long-term treatment for their symptoms.
Considerations
When deciding on a course of treatment, teens, parents and physicians may consider the severity of the condition, side effects of treatments, and cost.
Warning
Teenagers may experience serious side effects from antidepressant medications, including thoughts or attempts at suicide, and may need careful observation by parents and physicians while on this treatment.
Tags: antidepressant medications, depression teenagers, depression teens, parents physicians, side effects, symptoms depression
