That means one of every 25 children in a classroom could be affected. NIMH experts say boys and girls appear to be at equal risk for depressive disorders as children. But that changes during adolescence when girls are twice as likely as boys to develop depression. It has been linked to poor school performance, truancy, alcohol and drug abuse, running away, and feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness. In the last 25 years, the rate of teen suicide has increased dramatically.
Suicide often is linked to depression.
Since 1964, the suicide rate among adolescents and young adults has doubled. Treatment for depressive disorders in children and teens often involves short-term psychotherapy, medication or a combination of both, and targeted interventions involving the home and school environment. CBT is based on the premise that children with depression have cognitive distortions in their views of themselves and their world. Current studies are evaluating effectiveness of individual, family and group therapies for young people. A multi-site study of adolescents who are depressed currently is gathering data on the effectiveness of medication, psychosocial and combined treatments.