DEPRESSION IN ADOLESCENTS

In adolescents, depression is the major cause of impairment and suffering, leading to a high
number of deaths among the group with a high rate of suicidal cases. Most adults who are
depressed are likely to have been affected by depression while they were still adolescents. This is
why it is necessary to identify and treat depression at the earliest stages to minimize the chances
of recurrence and maintain stability in families and individuals.

With depression, it is difficult to attain good grades in school due to less or no concentration.
Achieving other important milestones in life, too, becomes a challenge for the depressed because
they experience a loss of confidence and have little to no interest in doing anything. The affected
often experience sadness, guilt, and loss of interest. They eventually withdraw from society and
have difficulty dealing with reality, making it even harder to engage them to offer them the help
they need.

In the modern generation, the common causes of depression in adolescents include the following;
Family life - for instance, a poor financial background may pressure an adolescent child into
depression because they are in constant worry and fear that they may not succeed in life or
complete their studies to the highest level. Social media influence too is another risk of
depression in adolescents. Because the media has all kinds of lifestyles, the adolescent child may
desire to live a lifestyle beyond their means and that of their family. However, as a result of the
mounting pressure of the media, they stress about things that are beyond their control. With the
obsession with the lifestyle they cannot afford, they become depressed. Loss of parents, friends
and close acquaintances too may predispose adolescents to depression. Loss is tragic, and it is
difficult to move on from some of the most tragic losses that are traumatizing. It may lead to
depression, and the affected may abuse drugs to cope with the loss.

With high numbers of adolescents being depressed, the country and the world economies are at
risk. Drug abuse will lead to unreliability among the group, people who can not hold down their
jobs and high morbidity and mortality rates. Instead of having an independent generation of
people, we will have dependent people. May resources will be used to manage and provide for
them, derailing other essential projects. It is necessary to put in place measures that protect
adolescents from depression. Moreover, in case it does happen, we should have a way to
diagnose it sooner and treat it before it becomes catastrophic.

Through guidance and counselling, it is best to instil among adolescents the virtues of patience
and hard work. Guide them to make informed choices academically and career-wise. Also,
support their dreams, talents and hobbies. Give them hope and something to believe in and guide
them where necessary. Prepare them psychologically for the changes they will undergo in life
and assure them that whenever they need help, someone will be there to offer them help. Help
them understand the need to adjust to changes since life is dynamic and keeps changing. Also,
screen for any symptoms of depression to identify it earliest and intervene immediately.

The treatment of depression among adolescents can be either through Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy{CBT} Or Interpersonal Psychotherapy{IPT}. CBT focuses on behaviour, feelings, thoughts and
the interactive effects of maintaining or reducing depression. The therapist helps the affected to face
their worst fears and talk about them openly, to help them eliminate negative thoughts and focus on
getting better. Also, the therapist should help the affected make informed decisions and encourage
them to keep going. IPT focuses on the relationship between depression and interpersonal interactions
to reduce symptoms while improving functioning by teaching the patient to recognize their emotions
and by working to improve interpersonal communication skills and problem-solving skills. Psychotherapy
is effective in the management and treatment of depression in adolescents.

The pharmacological treatment of depression among adolescents is the use of Serotonin Reuptake
Inhibitors{SSRIs} like fluoxetine and escitalopram, which are the drugs of use approved by the Food Drug
Administration{FDA}. Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors{SNRIs} like venlafaxine are also
common in treating depression among adolescents. Its wise and necessary to discuss treatment
expectations with the patients and their families to ensure drug adherence since antidepressants may
take 6-8 weeks for maximum effects. Even after the symptoms have been remitted, it is best to maintain
the use of the antidepressants for a minimum of 6 months to avoid the recurrence of depression. While
on medication, educate the patient on common side effects such as headache, insomnia, dry mouth and
gastrointestinal discomforts. Activation is a side effect that may present as either insomnia, disinhibition
or restlessness and may lead to drug discontinuation. To ensure that the patients are not alarmed and
adhere to the prescription. To avoid activation effects, start with a low drug dosage and increase the
doses slowly.
Establishing a basis for earlier diagnosing and treatment of parental depression and coming up with new
therapeutic measures to manage depression among adolescents who do not currently respond to the
available forms of treatments would be beneficial. Develop individualized diet, nutrition, and treatment
based on extensive clinical data to ensure adequate treatment for depressed adolescents.