Depression is an alarming situation for a teen dealing with it as well as for the parents, peers, and loved ones of the teen. Identifying depression in teens can sometimes be quite an ordeal. It is essential that the parents of a teenage child must keep regular vigil on the traits their child is displaying from time to time. Common signs of depression in teenagers include unacceptable or insane behavior, going into his or her shell, sudden outburst, and getting into unwarranted bouts of grief. Once the parent detects such an unsavory behavior, it is necessary to seek the help of a mental health professional so that the right diagnosis and treatment can be availed.
Nature of depression in teens
Psychotic depression is a type of depression in teens where the victim, at the onset suffers from low self esteem and poor decision making abilities. According to a report, most of the teens committing suicides are the ones affected by this form of depression.
Diagnosis of psychotic depression
Psychotic depression is difficult to diagnose and be treated. It is similar to schizophrenia, although differing from it in many respects. It is often let off by parents who are mostly ignorant as temporary setbacks occurring due to casual mistakes committed by their growing up adolescent children. However, when not addressed during the initial stage itself, this depression can turn into a complication as it progresses.
As the depression intensifies and remains untreated, the teenager suffering from it experiences mental disorders such as memory problems. The teenager may even tend to have visual or acoustic hallucinations which are negative in nature with themes of guilt, disease or dissatisfaction, and which trigger fear or freaking responses from him. These often vary with moods and promote suicidal tendencies in the patient. At this stage, the parent should call on a mental health professional for immediate intervention.
How to go about the treatment
Treatments for psychotic depression includes anti psychotic and anti-depression medications. Therapeutic treatment such as psychotherapy and counseling do less of help as the problem in this case is more intrinsic by nature. Treatments in extreme cases, where medications fail include administering of electric shocks.
Psychotic depression can also affect adults in the similar way it does for teenagers. Although treatable, early diagnosis of this depression can curtail its advancement through appropriate treatments. Not arresting the condition at an earlier stage and leaving it to increase can lead to risky situations in the long run.
The best way to treat psychotic depression, besides the medical attention which is much needed, is for parents to assure their teenagers that they are going to be ok. When it is a mental problem that we are dealing with, it is important that the teens are assured that they have all the support that they require from their parents. Being caring and supportive will help your teen get out of the depressed state quicker. This will also improve the effect of the medication.