Adolescence is ONE of the times in an individuals life when the greatest brain development is occurring. the brain changes in size and shape grey matter thickens increase in synaptic connections between brain cells specialization within the brain occurs “pruning” of neural pathways occurs sex hormones impact the brain Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that facilitate the transmission of messages along nerve cells (billions of messages per second). The primary neurotransmitters involved with […]
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TYPES OF DEPRESSION DIAGNOSED IN YOUNG PEOPLE (the Oxford Psychiatric Dictionary lists 25 different types of depression) Listed below are the most common a) MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER (MDD) – serious depression lasts an average of 7-9 months – similar to adult depression in some ways – sadness […]
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Robin Williams apparently had several “demons” tormenting him: ADHD substance abuse depression bipolar obsessive compulsive and he finally could take it no more and he ended his life several days ago. Experts estimate that approximately 25% of all women will experience clinical depression in their lifetime and 15% of all men. A typical high school of 1000 students is likely to have 100 kids suffer depression each year. Depression in young people was not […]
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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: […]
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Our brains constantly change over our lifetime as we develop and age. As a consequence, the way various brain functions work also changes, sometimes for better and sometimes for worse. The brain of a newborn is far from developed; it needs time to fully grow and establish connections on both large and small scales. Our brain’s functions improve drastically throughout childhood and adolescence, following a generally predictably progression. It is only in our mid […]
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