Depression is a significant concern among adolescents. Approximately 10.8% of adolescents experience significant depressive symptoms at any given time with an average age for the onset of depression at 15. Recent studies show that 13-15% of teens aged 12-17 have suffered at least one depressive episode, up from 8% in 2007. The National Institute of Mental Health defines depression as a common but serious mood disorder that influences the way a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities. While all of us sometimes experience these and other depressive symptoms, we worry when several symptoms occur at the same time and persist over a period of at least two weeks.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Persistent sadness or irritability
- Loss of interest in activities
- Fatigue/low energy
- Changes in appetite/sleep
- Difficulty concentrating
- Thoughts of death or suicide
There are several short-term and long-term consequences of adolescent depression. Short-term consequences include difficult family/peer relationships, impaired school and work performance, increased risk for substance abuse, and increased suicidal behavior. Long-term consequences include poor functional outcomes in adulthood, reduced life satisfaction, higher rates of suicide attempts, more psychiatric and medical hospitalizations, lower educational attainment, and more time out of work. Having a depressive episode in adolescence or young adulthood increases the risk of having an episode later on, making early prevention efforts of utmost importance.
Please go to our Resources section for a list of national and state-specific mental health resources.
References:
- 2009 IOM Report
- A growing number of American teenagers – particularly girls – are facing depression
- Key Characteristics of Major Depressive Disorder Occurring in Childhood, Adolescence, Emerging Adulthood, Adulthood
Contact Us
Email: moodcheck@brown.edu | Phone Number: 401-863-5123
Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute | Brown University School of Public Health