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SAMHSA News - May/June 2008, Volume 16, Number 3


Depression: For Teens, Not Just Growing Pains

cover of Major Depressive Episode among Youths Aged 12 to 17 in the United States: 2004 to 2006 - click to view reportWith mood swings, feelings of isolation, the stress of school, and the struggle to carve out an identity, teenagers and their families may ignore signs of depression. “Growing pains” are an accepted part of the teenage years.

However, adolescents may experience feelings that go beyond moodiness. Many teens between the ages of 12 and 17 may suffer from a major depressive episode (MDE), which can prevent them from participating in normal activities.

According to a recent report based on combined data from SAMHSA’s 2004 to 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), MDEs are more frequent than previously thought.

The report, Major Depressive Episode among Youths Aged 12 to 17 in the United States: 2004 to 2006, indicates that an annual average of 8.5 percent of youth age 12 to 17 (an estimated 2.1 million teens) experienced at least one MDE in the past year. Female adolescents were more than twice as likely to be affected as male adolescents (12.7 versus 4.6 percent).

Number of Days Depression Hinders Normal Activity

photo of young depressed male and chart with average number of days unable to carry out activities due to depression and the level of impairment

click to enlarge image

Source: SAMHSA Office of Applied Studies. Major Depressive Episode among Youths Aged 12 to 17 in the United States: 2004 to 2006. Figure 3. Mean Number of Days Unable to Carry Out Normal Activities Due to Depression among Youths Aged 12 to 17 Who Experienced a Past Year Major Depressive Episode (MDE), by Overall Severity of Role Impairment: 2004-2006. May 13, 2008.

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The Numbers

Combined 2004 to 2006 data show that rates of past-year MDE among youth age 12 to 17 generally increased with age.

Among youth age 12 to 17 with a past-year MDE, 48.3 percent reported severe impairment and 21.0 percent reported very severe impairment in at least one of four role domains (i.e., home, school/work, family relationships, or social life). Adolescents affected by past-year MDE reported being unable to carry out normal activities for a range of 11.7 days to 58.4 days, depending on the severity of the impairment. (See chart.)

Many survey respondents had experienced MDE before. Of those who reported at least one MDE over the past year, 91.7 percent reported more than one period in their lifetime during which they were feeling sadness or discouragement accompanied by other problems for 2 weeks or longer.

To download the free report, visit SAMHSA’s Web site at http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k8/youthDepress/
youthDepress.cfm
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Inside This Issue
Helping Young Offenders Return to Communities
Part 1
Part 2
What Works?
Grantees List

Administrator’s Message: Reducing Recidivism

New CSAP Director Named


Returning Veterans: Upcoming Conference Scheduled

Millions Are Driving Under the Influence

Underage Drinking
Communities Take Action
Underage Drinkers Get Alcohol from Adults
How Much Are Young People Drinking?

The American Experience
Promoting the Well-Being of Arab and Muslim Youth
Joining Together
Preventing and Treating Substance Abuse
Refugee Experience
Domestic Violence

2008 Recovery Month Toolkit Available

Honoring Accuracy in Television, Film
PRISM Awards
Voice Awards

Children’s Mental Health Day

Depression: For Teens, Not Just Growing Pains

Staff in the News: Women's Committee Adds Nine New Members

Guest Speaker: Filmmaker Presents Behind Closed Doors

About SAMHSA

SAMHSA News - May/June 2008, Volume 16, Number 3


   

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