youth bipolar disorder
One in five children and adolescents affected by mental health problems and disorders. People aged 18-24 have the highest prevalence of mental disorders of any age group.
Depression in this age group should be taken seriously. The youth suicide is the third most common cause of death in this age group.
The Lawson Clinic, a major mood disorder facilities based in Sydney, Australia, believes that both biological and developmental factors contribute to target = "_blank"> depression in adolescents. If you suspect bipolar disorder or psychosis, biological causes would need to be examined.
Signs of depression in a teenager
It is often difficult to distinguish adolescent turmoil from depressive illness, especially in the young is forging new roles within the family and struggling with independence, and academic and career decisions.
A teenager who is depressed may not show significant signs of depression. Instead, he or she may start behaving strangely, for example:
– Being socially withdrawn.
– The drop in performance at school.
– Participate in risk behaviors (eg, reckless driving, inappropriate sexual implications).
– Participate in drug abuse and alcohol.
– Sometimes a minor physical problem is used as a disguised appeal for help.
Where to get help for a teen
If you think your son or daughter or someone you are close, you may be depressed, the first step is to take either a general practitioner, local community Health Center. The general practitioner or carry out an evaluation or refer the adolescent to a child and adolescent psychiatrist or mental health worker. Other sources initial support are school counselors and trusted close family members that the teen feel comfortable talking.
Sometimes the adolescent may want to look help. In this case, it is better to explain what you mean and maybe give them some information to read about depression.
There are also some excellent websites designed for youth, and the confidential hotline and counseling services. It is important that young people know that depression is common problem and there are people who can help.
If there is any talk of suicide should be taken seriously and immediately sought the help of a mental health professional.
Key points to remember
– Depression is common among young people, one in five affected by mental health problems.
– Can be difficult to distinguish depression from adolescent turmoil.
– Depression in adolescence may be indicated by the unusual behavior such as social withdrawal, falling into the performance at school, using drugs or alcohol or engage in risky behaviors.
– Professional help from a general pracititioner or counselor should be sought if you suspect depression.
– Immediate help should be obtained from a general pracititioner or other mental health professional if a teen talks about suicide.
About the Author:
This article was posted by:
Dr Mark Rowe
MB.BS., FRANZCP
Dr Mark Rowe is the Clinical Director of The Lawson Clinic. Dr Rowe was previously the Acting Director of a Mental Health Unit at a major public hospital and was also in private practice. He was the Director of ECT at Redland Hospital, Brisbane and has trained at the Black Dog Institute where he has visiting rights. Last year he was invited to attend the prestigious Lundbeck Institute in Skodsborg, Denmark to exclusively discuss recent advancements in the assessment and management of depression. Dr Rowe has a particular interest in sub-typing depressive illnesses, bipolar disorder, psychopharmacology and mood disorders which may be persistent, only partially responsive to treatment or treatment resistant. Dr Rowe sees patients from 14 years of age.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Depression in adolescents and young people
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