Depression is very prevalent among youths and troubled teens. Falcon Ridge Ranch presents parents with some information on the different types of depression and causes of depression to better assess the needs of their child. Falcon Ridge Ranch is a residential treatment center that solely serves troubled girls.
There are many subtypes of depression:
Major depressive disorder is known as biochemical, clinical, endogenous, or biological depression. It may also be called unipolar affective disorder.
Melancholic depression is a very severe form of depression. It can be detected through the various physical changes that occur, like sleep and appetite changes, weight gain, and withdrawal from other people.
Psychotic depression is similar to melancholia, but is accompanied by hallucinations or delusions.
Atypical depression is also a form of anxiety and panic attacks.
Chronic dysthymic disorder is a long-term, mild depression that lasts for years. It often begins in adolescence and if undetected lasts for many years.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is when the depression seems to be associated with the weather. It is typically seen in areas that are prone to prolong winters. It usually starts in the autumn and goes away in the spring every year.
Causes of depression
There are still various on-going researches on the causes of depression. Some causes have been identified while there is still on-going research on other links with depression. Depression can be cause by the following or can worsen due to the following:
Heredity/ genetic: Teens with a family history of depression can become depressed due the genetic factor associated with it. Parents should also be aware that people can become depressed even with no prior history of depression.
Physiology: Chemicals in the brain. Serotonin is the main chemical in the brain that regulates happiness. Many antidepressant medication works to balance the amount of serotonin in the brain.
Psychological factors: Teens with low self-esteem and harmful thinking, bullying and various other psychological indoctrinations.
Life experiences: Job loss, homelessness, financial hardship, relationship problems, divorce, can all cause depression in teens.
Traumas: Events such as the death of a parent or guardian, abandonment or rejection, neglect, chronic illness, and severe physical, psychological abuse.
Medical conditions: Some illnesses such as hypothyroidism, hepatitis, mononucleosis or head injuries may contribute to depression.
Alcohol and other substance abuse: Alcohol can worsen a teen’s depression. The abuse of alcohol, benzodiazepine-based tranquillizers, sleeping medications, or narcotics can severely impact the mind of a teen which can prolong their depression.
For more information on how Falcon Ridge Ranch can serve your depressed child, contact them at 1-866-452-8775.
