Causes

Studies focusing on depression in teens and children are pinpointing factors that appear to influence risk, treatment response, and recovery. Given the chronic nature of depression, effective intervention early in life may help reduce future burden and disability. Multi-generational studies have revealed a link between depression that runs in families and changes in brain structure and function, some of which may precede the onset of depression. This research is helping to identify biomarkers and other early indicators that may lead to better treatment or prevention. Advanced brain imaging techniques are helping scientists identify specific brain circuits that are involved in depression and yielding new ways to study the effectiveness of treatments.

Tomorrow

Sophisticated gene studies have suggested common roots between depression and possibly other mental disorders. In addition to identifying how and where in the brain illnesses start before symptoms develop, these findings have also encouraged a new way of thinking about and categorizing mental illnesses. In this light, NIMH has embarked on a long-term projectcalled theResearch Domain Criteria (RDoC) projectaimed at ultimately improving the treatment and prevention of depression by studying the classification of mental illnesses, based on genetics and neuroscience in addition to clinical observation. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-in-children-andadolescents/index.shtml
There are multiple reasons why a teenager might become depressed. For example, teens can develop feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy over their grades. School performance, social status with peers, sexual orientation, or family life can each have a major effect on how a teen feels. Sometimes, teen depression may result from environmental stress. But whatever the cause, when friends or family -- or things that the teen usually enjoys -- don't help to improve his or her sadness or sense of isolation, there's a good chance that he or she has teen depression. (http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/teen-depression) Yes. Depression, which usually starts between the ages of 15 and 30, sometimes can run in families. In fact, teen depression may be more common among adolescents who have a family history of depression

Depression can be a response to many situations and stresses. In teenagers, depressed mood is common because of:

The normal process of maturing and the stress that occurs with it The influence of sex hormones Independence conflicts with parents It may also be a reaction to a disturbing event, such as: The death of a friend or relative A breakup with a boyfriend or girlfriend Failure at school Teens who are most likely to become depressed when they experience stressful events: Have low self-esteem Are very critical of themselves Feel little control over negative events Adolescent girls are twice as likely as boys to experience depression. A family history of depression also puts teenagers at greater risk. The following events or situations can cause depression:

Bullying or harassment at school or somewhere else Child abuse - both physical and sexual Lack of social skills Learning disabilities Long-term illness Poor parenting or caregiving Stressful life events, such as the loss of a parent to death or divorce Many adolescents with depression may also have: Anxiety disorders Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Bipolar disorder Eating disorders (bulimia and anorexia)

http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/adolescent-depression

According to major surveys, major depressive disorder affects nearly 15 million Americans (nearly 7% of the adult population) in a given year. While depression is an illness that can afflict anyone at any time in their life, the average age of onset is 32 (although adults age 49 - 54 years are the age group with the highest rates of depression.). Other major risk factors for depression include being female, being African-American, and living in poverty. DEPRESSION IN MEN Depression is not rare in men. In fact, white men over age 85 have the highest rates of suicide of any group. Men may be more likely than women to mask their depression by using alcohol. Some research suggests that depression in men is associated with the following indicators:

Low tolerance to stress Behaviors such as "acting out" and being impulsive A history of alcohol or substance abuse

A family history of depression, alcohol abuse, or suicide DEPRESSION IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS Depression can occur in children of all ages, although adolescents have the highest risk. Risk factors for depression in young people include having parents with depression, particularly if it is the mother who is depressed. Early negative experiences and exposure to stress, neglect, or abuse also pose a risk for depression. Adolescents who have depression are at significantly higher risk for substance abuse, recurring depression, and other emotional and mental health problems in adulthood. Studies suggest that 3 - 5% of children and adolescents suffer from clinical depression, and 10 - 15% have some depressive symptoms. DEPRESSION IN THE ELDERLY About 1 - 5% of elderly people suffer from depression. The rate increases significantly for those who have other chronic health problems, especially medical conditions such as Alzheimers, Parkinsons disease, heart disease, and cancer that interfere with functional abilities. Depression also occurs in some elderly people who require home healthcare or hospitalization. In addition, older people often have to contend with significant stressful life changes such as the loss of a spouse. Suicide in the elderly is the third-leading cause of death related to injury. Men account for the majority of these suicides, with divorced or widowed men at highest risk. MEDICAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED RISK OF DEPRESSION Severe or Chronic Medical Conditions. Any chronic or serious illness, such as diabetes, that is lifethreatening or out of a person's control can lead to depression. Many medications taken for chronic medical problems can also cause depression. Thyroid Disease. Hypothyroidism (a condition caused when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormone) can cause depression. However, hypothyroidism may also be misdiagnosed as depression and go undetected. Chronic Pain Conditions. Studies have reported a strong association between depression and headaches, including chronic tension-type and migraine. Fibromyalgia, arthritis, and other chronic pain syndromes are also associated with depression. Stroke and Other Neurological Conditions. Having a stroke increases the risk of developing depression. Also, neurological conditions that impair movement or thinking are associated with depression. Heart Failure . Patients with heart failure or patients who have suffered a heart attack may also be at increased risk for depression. Insomnia and Sleep Disorders . Sleep abnormalities are a hallmark of depressive disorders, with many depressed patients experiencing insomnia. Likewise, insomnia or other changes in waking and sleeping patterns can have significant effects on a person's mood, and perhaps worsen or draw out an underlying depression.

OTHER RISK FACTORS Smoking. There is a significant association between cigarette smoking and a susceptibility to depression. People who are prone to depression face a 25% chance of becoming depressed when they quit smoking, and this increased risk persists for at least 6 months. What's more, depressed smokers find it difficult to stop smoking. Smokers with a history of depression are not encouraged to continue smoking, but rather to keep a close watch on recurrence of depressive symptoms if they do stop smoking.