One in five teenagers are diagnosed with depression before adulthood, according to Arthur Schoenstadt, MD, author of the eMedTV article "Teen Depression." Despite the prevalence, HelpGuide states that only 20 percent of depressed teenagers receive treatment. Medication and therapy are the main treatments for teenage depression, though social support is essential for the patient's healing process.
Medication
Antidepressants decrease the severity of depression symptoms and are even more effective when combined with therapy, which finds the cause of the depression. Schoenstadt states that reuptake inhibitors are preferred for treating depression in teens. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as paroxetine, citalopram, sertraline, escitalopram, fluoxetine and fluvoxamine, increase serotonin by preventing reuptake of the neurotransmitter in the brain. Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as venlafaxine and duloxetine, have a mechanism similar to SSRIs but also increase norepinephrine levels. Fluoxetine is the only antidepressant approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for teenagers with depression; the other medications are prescribed off-label. The FDA warns that these medications can increase suicidal thoughts and behaviors in teenagers. The FDA recommends that teenagers who are taking an antidepressant see their doctor once a week for the first four weeks of medication treatment; after that, they should see their doctor every two weeks the following month, and at the end of their 12th week on the medication.
Therapy
Psychotherapy can be helpful, as it gives the patient an objective person to talk to about her symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy works with the patient to create healthy coping strategies, which is a change from the patient's negative reactions to depression triggers. Another therapy used with teenage depression is interpersonal therapy, which helps the patient work through problematic relationships. This type of therapy is beneficial for patients whose depression is caused by a change in family dynamics, such as a divorce.
Social Support
HelpGuide notes that a depressed teenager needs support from both family and friends throughout treatment. For example, parents can encourage the patient to stay in his treatment program and be understanding of how his symptoms are impacting his life. Friends can get the patient to participate in physical activity, which can reduce depression symptoms. A strong support system also provides the patient with an outlet when he feels overwhelmed by his symptoms.
