According to the National Institute of Mental Health, around 3.2 million people<\/a> aged 12\u201317 years in the United States had at least one major depressive episode in 2017. This represents 13.3% of all teenagers in the U.S. People with depression often also<\/a> have anxiety disorders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep reading to learn more about the causes of depression and anxiety in teenagers, some possible symptoms, advice for caregivers, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many possible causes<\/a> of anxiety and depression in teenagers. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It can be difficult for a parent or caregiver to differentiate between behavior that is a normal part of growing up and behavior that may indicate a mental health condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If behavioral changes last for weeks or months, and if they interfere with a teenager\u2019s daily life, they may be symptoms of depression, anxiety, or both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If a teenager is presenting some of the following symptoms, they may be experiencing depression or anxiety:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a>Sponsored by RelianceDigital<\/a>Mobiles & Tablets >…<\/a>See More<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n A teenager can receive a full clinical diagnosis from a healthcare professional such as a doctor, psychologist, or psychiatrist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Certain medical concerns can mimic<\/a> anxiety and depression. These include thyroid disorders<\/a> and substance use disorders<\/a>. For this reason, it is necessary to rule those out to obtain a proper diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)<\/a> endorses a universal depression screening guideline for people aged 12 years and above. Healthcare professionals may use the AAP guidelines or adult guidelines for older teenagers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The doctor, psychologist, or psychiatrist will perform a psychological evaluation of the teenager by asking a series of questions about their behaviors, moods, and thoughts. They will also take into account the teenager\u2019s family history, peer relationships, and school performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A teenager must meet the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition<\/em> to receive a diagnosis of anxiety or depression.ADVERTISEMENTExplore new calming exercises with Calm<\/p>\n\n\n\n Manage your anxiety with the award-winning Calm app. Try a guided meditation, a sleep story, or stretches designed by experts to help you focus and relax. Start your free trial today.START FREE TRIAL<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n A healthcare professional will treat a teenager\u2019s depression, anxiety, or both based on the severity of the condition. They may suggest psychotherapy (talk therapy), medication, or both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually, a combination of the two is the most effective<\/a> treatment. An antidepressant<\/a>, or a combination of antidepressants, can help correct the chemical imbalance in the teenager\u2019s brain. Meanwhile, talk therapy may help combat negative thought patterns and behaviors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source<\/a> has issued a warning that antidepressants may cause some children and teenagers to experience suicidal thoughts. The FDA has approved two drugs to treat depression in children: fluoxetine<\/a> (Prozac), for children aged 8 years and older, and escitalopram<\/a> (Lexapro), for children aged 12 years and older.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Experts state that they need more pediatric studies, as many antidepressants with approval for adults are not proven to work in children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The FDA requires that all antidepressants include a warning about the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults up to the age of 24 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aside from drug treatments and talk therapy, teenagers who are experiencing depression and anxiety may get some relief from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking with a support group may also help teenagers manage their depression or anxiety. Some organizations that offer help include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a>Sponsored by RelianceDigital<\/a>Mobiles & Tablets >…<\/a>See More<\/a>MEDICAL NEWS TODAY NEWSLETTERKnowledge is power. Get our free daily newsletter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dig deeper into the health topics you care about most. Subscribe to our facts-first newsletter today.Enter your emailSIGN UP NOW<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your privacy<\/a> is important to us<\/p>\n\n\n\n Factors that may increase a teenager\u2019s risk of experiencing depression or anxiety include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Parents or caregivers of teenagers who have depression, anxiety, or both can help them by viewing the condition as a serious matter that requires professional attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They should help their teenagers find a therapist that they feel comfortable talking with and discuss a treatment program with a medical professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Parents and caregivers can also try to encourage their teenagers to exercise, be social, schedule their activities into manageable chunks, and find an outlet for their emotions, such as a journal or support group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many potential causes of depression and anxiety in teenagers. These include genetics, trauma, their environment, differences in the brain, substance misuse, the stress of puberty, and negative thought patterns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The symptoms of depression and anxiety in teenagers may include low energy, a lack of interest in things they used to enjoy, disrupted sleep, and feelings of hopelessness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most effective treatment for depression and anxiety is usually a combination of talk therapy and medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aside from medical treatment, teenagers may be able to improve their symptoms by exercising, making large tasks more manageable, socializing, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and asking for help.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Teen anxiety and depression are not medically different mental health conditions from adult anxiety and depression. However, the symptoms of these conditions may present differently in teenagers than they do in adults. This may be due to the different developmental and social challenges that teenagers typically face, such as hormonal changes, developing brains and bodies, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":23,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\r\nCauses<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Teen](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/post.medicalnewstoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/07\/GettyImages-1287443909_header-1024x575.jpg?w=1155&h=1528\")
Symptoms<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Diagnosis<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Treatment<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Remedies<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Risk factors<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Advice for caregivers<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Summary<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n