Increasing Numbers of Children And Adolescents Suffer From Clinical Depression
Depression among children and adolescents has been on the rise for some time, but has only been taken seriously in the last twenty to thirty years. While it is normal for young people to experience mood swings or sad days, clinically depressed youths may represent as much as five percent of the population. Improved diagnostic techniques and parental awareness have helped to expose this problem, opening the doors for more children to receive psychiatric treatment of childhood depression.
No single cause for depression has been pinpointed. Researchers have established that certain families have a higher occurrence of this serious illness, and this supports the concept that genetics may be a contributing factor. When a predisposition for this problem combines with certain environmental and social factors early on, depression symptoms may occur during youth.
Psychosocial influences in modern culture are markedly more numerous than in previous eras. Many will argue prior periods have just as many negative influences as today, but the great influx of information via the media and the internet, especially given the negative bent of much reporting on current events, certainly has a bewildering impact on youth. It is widely agreed that low self-esteem is a major factor in childhood depression. Viewing the self negatively, coupled with a negative view garnered from the media, can result in a pessimistic worldview that colors everything in life.
The high unemployment rates in today\’s economy do have a significant effect on children and teens. Those in households with parents who have lost jobs feel stressed about the situation. It can lower their self esteem and increase their overall pessimism. In addition, children too will feel the economic crunch as they are less financially able to take part in activities with their peers. This can have social consequences. If the family loses their home due to economic problems, the child will feel displaced and uncertain, negatively impacting their view of themselves and their place in the world. It\’s not surprising that these factors can trigger depression symptoms, particularly if the child is genetically predisposed for such illnesses.
Peer pressure and parental expectations during the formative years can place a lot of stress on kids, affecting them even in the best of times as they grow up. When you add social and economic problems to the pile of issues children must face as they mature, stress becomes more acute. Due to this fact, rates of mental health issues occurring in youth are likely to continue increasing. However, early diagnosis of mental health problems in children, as well as increased treatment options and enhanced support for families, helps to combat this growing problem. The right treatment and support can give children and adolescents the tools they need to overcome depression symptoms. This will help them succeed socially, academically and in their careers and lives on into adulthood.
If you suspect that your child or teen may be depressed, contact Dr. Ron Zedek, a nationally recognized psychiatrist in Las Vegas with more than 12 years of experience in effectively and gently treating children and adolescents with depression, bipolar disease, anxiety and many other mental health issues. Powered by SEO 2.0 Services
