How does depression affect adolescent development?
Approximate 11 percent of adolescents have a depressive disorder by age 18 according to the National Comorbidity Survey-Adolescent Supplement. Girls are more likely than boys to experience depression. The risk for depression increases as a child gets older. According to the World Health Organization, major depressive disorder is the leading cause of disability among Americans age 15 to 44. Because normal behaviors vary from one childhood stage to another, it can be difficult to tell whether a child who shows changes in behavior is just going through a temporary “phase” or is suffering from depression. You can see serelax reviews more help.
Depression can interfere with an adolescent’s development and ability to achieve despite his or her potential. Here are some ways in which depression negatively interferes with an adolescent’s normal and healthy development: A depressed child has trouble taking initiative, becoming independent, developing competence, and establishing an identity. Adolescents must learn to think and make decisions on their own. However, because of the cognitive deficits, feelings of insecurity, worthlessness, etc., depressed teens may become more emotionally dependent upon their parents and have difficulty moving ahead on their own. Depressed adolescents tend to become withdrawn and socially isolated, or begin to engage in conflictive interactions with their peer group. This distancing form their peers may have a very negative impact on their development since the peer group is a major source of acceptance and support for teens, and plays a major role in helping them to develop their own identity and ac
