depressed teen girl

Teen Depression Causes and Risk Factors

Depression is the most common mental disorder. Teen depression statistics published by the American Psychological Association suggest that approximately one fifth of teenagers will experience at least one major depressive episode before their high school graduation.

Causes and Risks of Teen Depression

It’s impossible to isolate one single factor as the cause of depression. The causes and risks of teen depression are numerous, and the risk of depression increases with each new risk factor. Some of the most common teen depression causes and risks factors are outlined below.

Abuse and Teen Depression

Abuse has the effect of producing feelings of guilt and worthlessness in the victim. Children or adolescents who have been the victim of verbal, physical or sexual abuse are at an increased risk of depression.

Being Bullied at School

A teen who is being bullied will likely experience fear and anxiety over when and where the next confrontation will take place. Victims of bullying may also develop a strong sense of worthlessness. A study published by the University of Florida in 2008 shows that victims of bullying are at a greater risk of depression even into their early adult years.

Conflict at Home

Conflict at home can be a great source of stress in the life of a teen. This is especially true if he finds school a stressful place as well. He may feel like he has nowhere to go to escape the pressures of life.

Effect of Hormones

Hormones are another risk factor for teen depression, particularly for teenage girls. Post-pubescent teenage girls are the highest risk group for teen depression. Some girls may also experience depression when taking the birth control pill due to the pill’s effect on their hormones.

Genetic Factors

Having a family history of depression puts a teen at a greater risk of depression, but usually only when there are a number of other causes and risks of teen depression present as well.

Insomnia and Fatigue

A teen that is exhausted from lack of sleep will be depressed, listless and less able to cope with the stresses of life.

Isolation

School can be a very lonely place for many teens. Often, teens will feel as if they don’t fit in. In some cases a particular person or social group may purposely ostracize them. In other cases, they may lack positive, supportive relationships.

Low Self-esteem

Low self-esteem is both a cause and an effect of teen depression.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Teenagers often make unhealthy food choices and don’t get the nutrients their bodies need. Poor eating habits place a teen at a greater risk of depression.

Presence of Underlying Disorders

Teens with anxiety disorders, behavioral problems and/or learning disabilities are at a greater risk for depression.

Stressful Life Events

In many cases, the occurrence of a stressful life event is the final risk factor that sends a teen spiraling into depression. Many other teen depression causes can fester below the surface until a stressful life event brings everything crashing down.

Substance Abuse

Alcohol and illicit drugs have been linked to an increased risk of depression.

Resources
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Staff. (n.d.) The causes of depression – current theories. Retrieved May 4, 2010, from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Staff website:  www.camh.net/About_Addiction_Mental_Health/Mental_Health_Information/ Depressive_Illness/depressive_ill_causes.html.

Frawley Birdwell, A. (2008). Social form of bullying linked to depression, anxiety in adults. Retrieved May 12, 2010, from the University of Florida Health Science Center website:  news.health.ufl.edu/2008/5285/colleges/college-of-medicine/social-form-of-bullying-linked-to-depression-anxiety-in-adults/.

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2010). Causes. Retrieved May 4, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic website:  www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/DS00175/DSECTION=causes.

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2009). Teen depression: prevention begins with parental support. Retrieved May 11, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic website:  www.mayoclinic.com/health/teen-depression/MY00937.

National Alliance on Mental Illness Staff. (n.d.) Depression symptoms, causes and diagnosis. Retrieved May 4, 2010, from the National Alliance on Mental Illness website:   www.nami.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Mental_Illnesses/Depression/Depression_ Symptoms,_causes_and_Diagnosis.htm.

National Institute of Mental Illness Staff. (n.d.) What causes depression? Retrieved May 4, 2010, from the National Institute of Mental Illness website:  www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/what-causes-depression.shtml.