Depression in adolescents has become one of the primary causes for concern in adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18. If depression where a contagious virus it would almost be classified as an epidemic with some experts claiming that as many as 70% of all adolescents suffering some form of depression.

Symptoms of Depression In Adolescents include

• sadness
• hopelessness
• anger, or hostility
• tearfulness
• withdrawal
• loss of interest
• changes to eating and/or sleeping habits
• feeling worthless
• lack of motivation
• suicidal thoughts

It is important to note that in general, these symptoms represent a change. For example, an adolescent that is usually outgoing and happy becomes withdrawn, distracted and prone to periods of anger followed by tears or withdrawal.

Sound familiar? Yes, a lot of 'normal' teens displays these traits as they start to progress through the teen years. The real danger in adolescent depression is what is often hidden. The self harm, the suicidal thoughts and the inability to sleep.

Busy parents can often miss even the most obvious symptoms. This can often lead to disastrous results.

Effects of Depression in and Adolescent

The effects of depression could almost be classified into three areas: trying to run away from or bury the problem (which leads often leads to an addiction); lashing out and trying to fight the depression (rebellion); and giving in, succumbing to the illness.

Addiction - we often consider addiction to be associated with drugs and while drugs can be one of the methods used to escape depression, they are not the only ones. Other forms of addiction include alcohol, food, the internet, self harm and even sex.

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