Depression in Young People
The recent death of Robin Williams by an apparent suicide has once again brought the issue of depression to the forefront. 20 years ago depression was not diagnosed in young people. Today, experts recognize that it affects a significant percentage of preteens and teens.
Depression is not:
- a sign of weakness
- a punishment for past wrongs
- a flaw in a person’s character or personality
- the young person’s fault
It is an illness that results in:
- emotional changes
- physical changes
- cognitive changes
- behavioural changes
There is no definitive diagnostic test for depression. Diagnosis is made by “talking” to people. “Talking” is not a great way to diagnose and illness, but it is all the psychiatrist has.
Depression in adults is relatively easy to diagnose:
- there is a pronounced change in mood
- the mood persists
- adults usually acknowledge the problem
- adults have some mature insights
- they are usually motivated to “fix” it
Depression in young people is harder to diagnose:
- is she depressed or just being a teenager?
- he cycles frequently: depressed, happy, depressed, happy . .
- rarely asks to see a psychiatrist
- usually reluctant to see a therapist
- denies there is a problem
Depression in young people is probably under diagnosed and therefore untreated – causing much unnecessary misery