Teen depression 'on rise'
July 15 2003
One in four teenagers experienced at least one episode of depression before they reached 18, a researcher said yesterday.
University of Queensland PhD student Gabrielle O'Shea, who is conducting a depression treatment program for teenagers, said the mental disorder was increasing in teenagers.
"There does seem to be a rise in the incidents of depression in teens," Ms O'Shea said. "By the time adolescents are 18 years old, approximately 25 per cent of them will have experienced at least one episode of depression."
She is using psychological treatment to assist depressed teenagers overcome their symptoms. "Anti-depressant medications have relatively poor results with this group and if left untreated depression in adolescents is likely to occur," Ms O'Shea said.
Printer friendly version
Email to a friend
In this section
For science, mummy speaks louder than words
Chances of meteorite calamity downgraded
Omar gets 'new tummy' and a fresh start in life
Doing your prostate a favour
GM food freeze leaves biotech firms 'out in cold'
Time in care can affect children's anxiety
Top scientist urges people to embrace gene technology
Chronic illness a heavy burden: study
Beware the Asian green mussel, pest among pests
Obesity may lead to Alzheimer's
Common metal linked to breast cancer
Are galaxies full of gas space's missing link?
French spinal cord discovery offers promise
Bid to bring Lonesome George out of his shell
How science can tell if a cat really has a pedigree