Risk Factor for Teen Depression by Cyndi Sarnoff-Ross/Marriage and Family Therapist: at DailyStrength Doctors and Experts

Cyndi Sarnoff-Ross is a licensed psychotherapist with almost twenty years of clinical experience in the fields of clinical psychology and organizational management br br She has worked extensively with a wide variety of…

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Risk Factor for Teen Depression

Posted in Adoption by Cyndi Sarnoff-Ross on Jun 08, 2009

A recent study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association discussing the correlation between teenagers with depression and the presence of depression in their parents. We have long known that there is likely to be a genetic component to depression but this study discussed treatment options for these teens and how effective those options were with respect to their parent's depression.

The study looked at teens whose parent's had a history of depression and how a cognitive behavioral group setting, that taught problem solving and coping techniques, could help decrease their risk of becoming depressed themselves. Peer group treatment settings are highly effective for teens. Not only are the teen years often fraught with the feelings of being misunderstood by adults but the need to connect with peers is intense. Being introduced to peers, who struggle with similar difficulties, whether it is their own depression or that of a parent, can be a value tool towards motivating a teen to participate in any type of therapeutic program. Although this program was of great benefit to the teens whose parents were not depressed it was not as effective for those whose parents had a history of depression and was not useful at all for teens whose parents were actively depressed at the time of the study.

It was surmised that the teens whose parents are currently depressed are at a greater biological risk for becoming depressed themselves. It also seemed reasonable that the teens that were living in the home with a depressed parent were not only more likely to become depressed themselves but less likely to respond to treatment. Those teens whose parents were not depressed had the best outcome in terms of not becoming depressed or managing a preexisting depression.

The value of such studies can be evidenced in many ways such as determining which individuals are the best candidates for this type of cognitive behavioral group model. Obviously, no parent chooses to be depressed but it is important for parents to be aware of the profound impact their own mental health has on their children. It can be both a motivating factor for getting into treatment themselves or for establishing the necessary support systems for their child. This support can be a preventive measure and any parent suffering from depression should not overlook the potential effect it may have on their child at some point, even if there is currently no outward evidence of depression in their child.

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CATEGORIES: News

CONDITIONS AND COMMUNITIES: Adoption • Anxiety • Anxiety Disorders in Children • Child Support & Custody • Children Of Divorced Parents • Depression • Depression - Teen • Depression in Children • Depression Supporters • Family Issues • Gay Parenting • Grandparents Raising Children • Healthy Relationships • High School Stress • Parenting 'Tweens (9-12) • Parenting Big Kids (5-8) • Parenting Teenagers (12-18) • Single Dads • Single Parenting

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Displaying comments 15-1 of 15

I've been depressed since my teen years. I'm getting married in less than a month and of course we've been dreaming about how our family will be some day... but the longer my depression affects me and the longer I am unable to find any kind of cure or help, the more I'm terrified of having kids.

How do I know I will be a good mom? Especially with the knowledge that my mental health is going to influence my kids'...

Any depressed moms want to send me a message about it, feel free.

By im0ftheuniverse Sep 15, 2009

i just found out a couple days ago my dad has/had mild depression since his teen years. He's never gotten help for it though-wishing he had or will. With my depression i act like my dad in how i react to it, i'm trying to change but that's hard to do. There were many things that happened in my life and i should have had counseling but my parents thought i was coping fine so i do think this is a good idea, more people should get help before it's too late.

By Amyes Jul 12, 2009

I was adopted and my birthmom has depression. She just told me that after I've batteled depression, self injury, and i've wanted to die for so long. Didn't know why I was even depressed. Think I got it from stupid genetics and it sucks. Thanks for this article, it helps

By xXeraynXx Jun 29, 2009

Teen depression?
I know that I have teen depression, but my parents won't let me go to a doctor for confirmation. They keep saying that if I have depression, then I am weak minded. I'm not weak minded, but I do need help. I can't go by myself. I'm too young, and I need my parents insurance. What do I do?
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By nirmay Jun 17, 2009

What are risk factors at home that could lead to depression/mental health problems?
I'm writing about a student who appears to have mental health problems leading up to exams. I have to include what risk factors could be found at home that could add to this problem - any suggestions?

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By nirmay Jun 15, 2009

Interesting,shows the importance of early intervention with teens in a more common situation in this day and age.
mary@transitiondreams.com
life coach

By mare13 Jun 12, 2009

Thanks for sharing theses nice tips,it very helpful and useful

By monikalewis Jun 12, 2009

I've noticed that when I complain more of my arthitic pains, my 13 year old also complains of the pains in her body. She has seen a doctor so many time and thankfully, nothing major is wrong with her. I remember growing up in a large family where my father would moan a lot as his degenerative arthritis became progressively more painful each day. He was a teacher for 40 years and I'm sure all that standing in front of a class on a hard floor didn't help his condition any. So, I try to contain my comments on aches and pains and have begun my own exercise program of tai chi and walking. My daughter has come to realize that many hours in front of a computer may be fun but it also carries consequences such as strained eyes, aching back when she gets up and other unhealthy problems. Today she gets out of school for the summer and we are going to do more things that are active than playing on the computer, which we both love to do. However, the payoff of being more active is that we will be more pain-free. I know that when I'm feeling out of sorts or semi-depressed, I like to read or knit but that walking actually helps me get the fresh air and exercise my body really needs and when I get back from a walk, I do feel rejuvenated and more emotionally balanced. Why we fight the things that help us is just another part of being human I suppose. I am totally not into medicating myself as it upsets my stomach and makes me feel out of sorts, so exercise is a truly natural way for me to try instead.

By Cybercatxq Jun 11, 2009

The initiative taken for the concern is very serious and needs an attention of everyone parents for their children. This is the concern which exists in the society and needs to be eliminated from the society as soon as possible.teenage depression is rising day by day & it can only cure by kid's parents.so they should spend much time with their kids.

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By mccall123 Jun 10, 2009

My son shot himself March 6th 09...my daughter has BPD, I have struggled with anxiety disorder, my father attempted suicide by shooting himself but survived and was a depressed alcoholic all of his life until he died of heart failure when he was 61 yrs....I do not know the rest of the family history...but this is enough to prove that it is an inherited disease. Therapy probably helps but the system has failed in many many ways....my daughter has had a terrible time getting in to see a psychiatrist who will take self-pay or new patients!!! My son was on Zoloft that was not prescribed as he took half of his wife's Zoloft. Our thoughts are that because he had lost his job and had no insurance that he was doing all that he knew to do. Another thing society must realize is the advertisements of these anti-depressants that have longer lists of WHY NOT TO TAKE THEM far out weighs the reasons for taking them. They can and do have the very bad side effects of suicidal ideations. Our family knows this all too well!!!!

By Kingsdaughter Jun 10, 2009

You didn't mention anything about suicide, and the vastly greater amount of male suicide. Go ahead and use the CDC's WISQARS tool to examine male vs. female suicide for ages 14-21, and you will find that in 2006, there were 2,212 male suicides, compared with 479 female suicides - a male:female suicide ratio of 4.62:1.

But then, you were the person who refused to acknowledge and present the evidence of female-perpetrated domestic violence against men, and how that level of violence equaled the level of male violence against women, so I'm not too surprised that you would fail to acknowledge this scenario, either.

By ESF Jun 09, 2009

maddi716 - The fact that you are aware of the potential for this to happen is a great start. Working with a counselor to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression - so you can head it off at the pass should it occur, would be a good idea now. There may be a teen group in your area for support and just talking about the stuff that goes on in your life. This kind of expression can go a long way to deter feelings of sadness and loneliness experienced by many in their teen years (even those who do not suffer with depression).

By CSR Jun 08, 2009

Do you know of any ways that teens can get help if they do have a parent that's clinically depressed? My mom's having serious problems and is just starting to get help, but I don't want to go down the same path, but my dad's scared that I will, so are there any effective ways to prevent teen depression for teens with parent's currently with depression?
Thanks

By maddi716 Jun 08, 2009

Ah fun, depression and being a teenager. :P
What I've got, haha. It's annoying because oddly enough I (Been told so) seem much more mature than most kids my age- But that makes me have axiety (Another issue I have) and that certaintly doesn't make depression any easier. I guess I've had it ever since May of '07, when my mom died. :(

I don't really know myself, but my dad's depressed too and it makes it worse when the person you'd think to turn to is in the same boat as you.

By Uncreative1 Jun 08, 2009

I have had clinical depression all my life. And as a teenager they could never find it. I did not have a parent who was depressed and I wonder how mine came about. My son does have me who has clinical depressiona dn he is bipolar. I know my depression affects him greatly and that is something I have to be aware of.

By Paige42986 Jun 08, 2009

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