Depression may not be preventable. It is important to recognize and treat the condition early. Teens should be encouraged to talk to someone if they are concerned about depression. A teen who screens positively on one of these tests should have a comprehensive evaluation for depression. The evaluation may include a medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests.
Most adolescents recover well from a single episode of depression.
However, episodes are likely to recur. Adolescents with depression are at risk for further episodes of depression later in life. They are also at risk for adult personality disorders . There is a strong connection between depression and suicide in adolescents. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 24.