Cause of Teenage Depression

Depression in teenagers presents itself quite differently than depression in adults, and often goes undiagnosed, shrugged off as normal teenage angst. However, teenage depression is quite serious, as depressed teens will often act out violently, abuse drugs or alcohol, become sexually promiscuous or even attempt suicide. The exact cause of teenage depression is not known. Scientists believe, in fact, that the onset of teenage depression is brought about by a combination of genetic, psychological and environmental factors.

Genetics

• Teenagers who have a family history of depression are at a higher risk for developing the illness. However, genetics is not the only determining factor; even without a family history, your teen could still become depressed.

Substance Abuse

• Drugs and alcohol--known depressants--can alter brain chemicals that affect mood. The negative social and personal influences and results associated with substance abuse can also cause depression.

Family Environment

• A dysfunctional family environment can cause depression. Teens who live with extreme stress, violence, poverty, illness or with an alcoholic or addicted parent in the home are more likely to become depressed.

Life Events

• Sometimes a single life event can cause a reaction beyond normal grief or anxiety. Death of a loved one, changing schools, moving, or parents divorcing or remarrying could trigger depression in teenagers.

Medical Condition

• If your teen has a physical disability, a serious physical illness or a learning disability, this could lead to feelings of low self-esteem or anxiety, triggering depression. Medical conditions that affect hormone balance, such as hypothyroidism, can also affect mood.

Mental Disorder

• Approximately two-thirds of teenagers with depression have already been diagnosed with another mental disorder such as anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, antisocial disorder or dysthymia.