How can depression affect children and adolescents?
• It is estimated that 3.5% of children and adolescents will experience depression in any one-year period. • Children or adolescents who are experiencing depression often experience a drop in their academic performance due to difficulties with concentration, motivation and energy. • Depression or depressed mood can have a negative impact on social, recreational and extracurricular opportunities and successes. • For many adults with depression, their first episode was when they were teens. If depression in adolescents is not properly addressed it can lead to recurrent episodes as well as other mental and physical health problems as an adult. • Concerns have been raised about the safety of some antidepressants with children and teens. The latest research supports the use of one particular form of medication along with cognitive-behaviour therapy.
