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Adolescent Depression:
An emotional state marked by sadness , discouragement , and loss
of self-worth that occurs during the teenage years.
Causes, Incidence and Risk Factors
In adolescents, depression is common because of the normal maturation
process, the stress associated with it, and independence conflicts
with parents. It may also be a reaction to a disturbing event such as the
death of a friend or relative, a breakup with a boyfriend or girlfriend,
failure at school, or for no apparent reason. Depression may also be caused
by medical or psychiatric illness or medications.
Normal behavior in adolescents is marked by both up and down moods,
with alternating periods of feeling 'the world is a great place' and 'life's
a bummer'. These moods may alternate over a period of hours or days. Persistant
depression with no interspersed periods of happiness, faltering school
performance, failing relations with family and friends, substance
abuse and other negative behaviors may indicate depression.
Teenagers may also mask depression with a put-on front of happiness
but acting-out and risk-taking behavior indicate the underlying problem.
Suicide may follow either a short or prolonged period of depression.
Symptoms
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depressed or irritable mood
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temper
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agitation
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loss of interest in activities
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reduced pleasure in daily activities
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change in appetite , usually a loss of appetite
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change in weight (unintentional weight loss or unintentional weight gain
)
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persistent difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
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sleeping difficulty
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excessive daytime sleepiness
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fatigue
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difficulty concentrating
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memory loss
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preoccupation with self
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feelings of worthlessness or sadness
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excessive or inappropriate guilt feelings
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acting-out behavior
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thoughts about suicide or abnormal thoughts about death
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plans to commit suicide or actual suicide attempt
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excessively irresponsible behavior pattern
Note: Symptoms often persist for weeks or months
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call your health care provider if one or more warning signs of potential
suicide are present.
Although there is no one type of suicidal person, be alert to the following
signs
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withdrawal
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with urge to be alone
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isolation
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moodiness
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personality change
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threat of suicide
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giving most cherished possessions to others
NEVER IGNORE A SUICIDE THREAT OR ATTEMPT.
Prevention
Feelings of depression may not be preventable. Sometimes,
counselling may help the adolescent deal with feelings of depression.
  
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