Introduction
Research suggests that as many as 8 percent of adolescents experience depression at least once during any one-year period. Exact causes of depression in teens are not known, but research suggests it's the result of several interrelated factors. These multiple factors can be divided into two primary categories: predispositions and precipitators. Predispositions are psychological and biological traits that create a higher risk of developing depression. Precipitators are environmental factors and life-events that have been shown to correlate with depression.
Psychological and Biological Factors
Research investigating depression in families gives some evidence to the possibility of a genetic link. Such a link has not been discovered, but efforts in this area continue and look hopeful. Most psychiatrists work under the assumption that depression in teens is a symptom of early-onset depression, bipolar disorder or some other mood disorder. This theory holds that abnormal biochemical processes in the brain related to neurotransmitters are the cause of depression. Psychological predispositions have also been linked to depression in teens, such as ineffective emotional coping skills and a lack of belief in one's efficacy and capabilities early in life. Because adolescence is a time of rapid growth and development, it wouldn't be surprising for research to eventually identify these predispositions or a combination of them to be the cause of depression in teen. Personality traits such as low self-esteem and pessimism may also be a contributing factor to depression in teens. The inability to manage stress may also be a factor in the development of depression. When teens are easily overwhelmed by stress, they may be vulnerable to adapting a pessimistic attitude--along with generating distorted negative beliefs about themselves, other people and existence in general.
Environment and Life Events
It's held by many mental health professionals that working alone, or in conjunction with factors of predisposition, depression is caused or at least contributed to by precipitating factors of the teen's environment and stressful life events. Extensive periods of neglect or abuse in childhood have been linked to depression in teens. Such events can create unhealthy belief and thinking patterns such as learned helplessness and low self-esteem, leaving the teen vulnerable to developing depression. Also linked to depression are environments that create a lack of safety for the teen and don't validate the teen as vital member of the home. Living in an environment that teaches the teen to behave or think in maladaptive way is another precipitating factor linked to early onset depression. A lack of nurturing and acceptance in childhood correlates with low self-worth and the development of depression in the teen years.
Some teens who experience events such as the loss of a loved one, failing out of school or going through a breakup or parental divorce experience sadness that's considered a normal reaction to the event. Other teens, however, find such events to be triggers to a depressive episode. The different reactions to similar events is testament to the complex nature of depression in teens. Perhaps some teens are predisposed to depression and stressful events such as these trigger the onset. Or perhaps some teens live in environments that don't provide the nurturing and support needed to develop emotional coping skills that could prevent the normal sadness response from developing into depression.
Ongoing Research
Research into both predispositions and precipitating factors continue to attempt to generate a clearer picture of what causes depression in teenagers. New evidence is constantly emerging that adds to our knowledge base. Research into brain activity shows promise in discovering how the brain of a depressed teen is functioning.
References
- A Relentless Hope: Surviving the Storm of Teen Depression; Gary E. Nelson; 2007.
- Understanding Teenage Depression: A Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment and Management; Dr. Maureen Empfield and Nicholas Bakalar; 2001.
- Adolescent Depression: A Guide for Parents; Francis Mark Mondimore M.D.; 2002.
