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Causes of Teen Depression
There's no single known cause for teen depression. The illness often runs in families. Experts believe a genetic vulnerability combined with environmental factors, such as stress or physical illness, may trigger an imbalance in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, resulting in depression. Imbalances in three neurotransmitters - serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine - seem to be linked to depression. Factors that Contribute to Teen Depression - Having a parent or immediate family member who is depressed. This is the most important risk factor for depression. Children or teens who have a parent with depression are 3 times more likely to develop depression.
- Stressful life events, particularly a loss or threatened loss of a loved one or a job, can trigger depression.
- Long-term use of certain medications, such as some drugs used to control high blood pressure, sleeping pills or, occasionally, birth control pills, may cause symptoms of depression in some people.
- Having a chronic illness, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer or Alzheimer's disease, puts you at higher risk of developing depression. Having an under active thyroid (hypothyroidism), even mildly, also can cause depression.
- Certain personality traits, such as having low self-esteem and being overly dependent, self-critical, pessimistic and easily overwhelmed by stress, can make you more vulnerable to depression.
- Alcohol, nicotine and drug abuse. Experts once thought that people with depression used alcohol, nicotine and mood-altering drugs as a way to ease depression. But using these substances may actually contribute to depression and anxiety disorders.
- Having been depressed before, especially if depression first occurred at an early age.
- Having another mental disorder, such as conduct disorder or an anxiety disorder.
- Being physically or sexually abused.
Other Risk Factors for Depression - Being a girl in early puberty. Until puberty, boys and girls have an equal risk of developing depression. After puberty and as adults, females are twice as likely as males to become depressed.
- Being exposed to family conflict.
- Not having good social relationships with peers.
- Being a bully or a victim of bullying.
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