In this article, we will be examining treatment for depression in adolescence and the best options for curing the illness and managing symptoms. If you know of an adolescent or individual suffering from depression, make sure to talk with a healthcare provider and educate yourself on the many plans of treatment for adolescent depression.
How to figure out if an adolescent has depression? And the importance of providing timely assistance to an adolescent who has depression
The treatment of depression in adolescence starts with identifying the illness and any apparent symptoms they may be experiencing. It is vital to act quickly and take action towards finding a treatment program that works for them.
What symptoms to look for when checking for depression?
Here are some of the signs that may be present:
Emotional Changes:
- Feeling hopeless or empty
- Frequent thoughts of death, dying or suicide
- Low self-esteem
- Frustration, sadness, and sensitivity
Behavioral Changes:
- Tiredness and loss of energy
- Use of alcohol or drugs
- Self-harm
- Social isolation
Why adolescent depression treatment should be received quickly?
The best treatment for adolescent depression is to start immediately and take action as soon as any symptoms become evident. Depression symptoms are unlikely to resolve on their own, and it is crucial to seek help before they progress.
How to treat depression in adolescence? The most effective options for depression treatment
Depression can come in many forms, and there are no blanket-treatment methods that will work for every individual. Instead, the best way to treat depression in adolescence is by experimenting and finding a program that fits your needs. Nonetheless, here are a few different options of successful methods that have been used for adolescent depression treatment.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Cognitive behaviour therapy involves shifting the thinking patterns of an individual suffering from depression. It includes gaining a better understanding of one’s emotions and the problems in thinking that are leading to depressive symptoms.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Treatment for depression in adolescence can be done through interpersonal psychotherapy that emphasizes improving interpersonal functioning through analyzing areas of conflict like relationships, life changes, or grief that may have caused the depression to arise.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
Dialectical behaviour therapy focuses on discussing and talking to the patient about their difficulties and highlighting ways that they can begin to manage them. It is a great option for adolescents who feel emotions intensely and need a safe space to share their struggles.
Family Therapy
The optimal way of treating depression in adolescence that suffers from domestic issues may be to seek out family therapy. These sessions involve having families or couples speak with a professional together about some of the emotions and struggles they are facing as a family.
Medications
Medication paired with a form of therapy is one of the most prominent treatment plans for teens and young adults suffering from depression. The most commonly prescribed drug is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs for helping to manage symptoms.
How to decide on the best option for your particular case?
Learning the methods of treatment for depression in adolescence is not easy; it will take time and research to come up with a viable plan of action. Here are a few tips you can follow when searching for the best way to treat depression in adolescence.
What is the first step to determining the proper treatment for you?
The first step to treating depression in adolescence is to learn as much as you can about their symptoms and struggles. It is essential to establish answers on the severity of the depression and if any underlying conditions may be causing it. This will help to make educated decisions on the best treatment route.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different options.
Learning to cope and handle depression happens over time, and it may take trial and error before discovering a treatment plan that works best for you. For example, a mixture of medication and in-person therapy is a great combination for dealing with depressive symptoms.
Final thoughts and some alternative adolescent depression treatment methods that can be started today
Treatment of depression in adolescence is a strenuous process but can be made easier through diligent research and personalized treatment programs. The first step is to acknowledge the illness and recognize the symptoms being experienced. From there, you can look at different kinds of therapies and medications that can be used to help manage mental illness.
Brain Stimulation Therapies and their benefits
Sometimes, depression treatment for adolescent teens is unsuccessful through standard therapy practices and medications. In this case, doctors may recommend brain stimulation therapies. These procedures can be used on patients who don’t respond to medications or cannot take them due to health concerns.
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
This form of therapy utilizes electrical currents that pass through the brain and make contact with neurotransmitters; when successful, this procedure relieves stress and helps patients return to a normal and productive life. However, ECTs can lead to increased blood pressure and heart problems in some cases.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Similar to ECTs, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is used for patients that do not respond to antidepressants. The procedure involves placing a coil on your scalp that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells. If successful, the procedure does an excellent job of regulating a patient’s depressive mood. Some patients have commented that TMS causes headaches and muscle twitching, among other forms of discomfort.
Recommended Lifestyle changes for adolescents with depression
Treatment for depression in adolescence is improved by making lifestyle changes and taking care of your body. This includes drinking more water, exercising regularly, getting outside, and distancing yourself from individuals that may trigger depressive episodes. These lifestyle changes can have drastic effects on an adolescent’s life and help to combat depression.
