Adolescent and Teen

Over 8% of adolescents in the United States experience depression. Family history, personality traits and social events indicate risk factors for adolescent depression. Changes in behavior, sudden loss, conflicts at home or school, or failures perceived or real can indicate an adolescent is at risk.

How To Set Rules For Teenagers

by So-Mai Brown, M.A. on September 2, 2010

Q: I have a 14 year old son and we argue a lot about chores and house rules. Do you have any tips on how I can improve our communication? A: Adolescents are moving towards independence, more interested in peer relationships and going through many physical, cognitive and hormonal changes. As your child transitions into adulthood, how you two communicate is going to change and this transition can be frustrating for both of you. Your teen may be more defiant and complain of you interfering with their independence. This is …

Fish Oil May Help Depressed Teen Boys

New research from Japan may help cheer up young adolescent boys dealing with symptoms of depression. In a recent article published in the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, researchers found that increased intakes of fatty fish were associated with fewer depressive symptoms in teenage boys aged 12 to 15. Similar results were not seen for teenage girls, however. Fish such as salmon, trout, and whitefish are good sources of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids EPA and DHA. Fatty fish, such as sardines, mackerel, yellowtail, and tuna are especially high …

Young At Heart: Girls Hit Puberty Younger

by Lisa Watson on August 25, 2010

While puberty used to occur around age 15 or 16, it has been occurring at younger ages over the last few decades. New research shows that girls in the U.S. are developing earlier than ever, a possible trend that is associated with a number of health risks. The study was led by Dr. Frank Biro of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. The subjects included over 1,200 6- to 8-year-old girls in Cincinnati, New York and San Francisco. As part of the study, researchers used a standard measure of breast development to …

After School Programs Help At-Risk Kids

by Lorne Cansler on June 29, 2010

A recent study published in Children and Youth Services Review validates previous research findings that suggest participation in youth development organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs makes children and adolescents less likely to engage in problem behaviors. The authors, Dawn Anderson-Butcher and Scottye J. Cash, cite previous studies that conclude that participating in such programs deters and prevents “alcohol and drug use, juvenile delinquency, violent crime, school dropout and failure, and teenage pregnancy.” The authors also cited research studies that specifically credit Boys & Girls Clubs and their programs …

Music Therapy Helps Grieving Teens

by Judee Shipman on June 23, 2010

Even under ideal circumstances, adolescence is a turbulent time. Furthermore, mourning the death of someone close is especially challenging during teen years. Recent research from the University of Melbourne’s School of Music suggests that music therapy can help adolescents cope with grief after experiencing the loss of a loved one. This is great news, since many mental health experts believe that bereavement during this critical time increases a teenager’s vulnerability to mental health problems.Music therapy is a clinical technique that involves participation in musical activities, such as listening to favorite songs, …

Depression Impacts College Drop Out Rate

by Lisa Watson on May 6, 2010

According to statistics, 50% of students who attend college drop out or fail out. Though there are a variety of reasons this number is so high – including financial – scientists have learned that certain types of depression directly relate to lower grade point averages and higher dropout rates. University of Michigan’s Daniel Eisenberg led the study, which surveyed 2,800 students online. Students answered questions about a variety of mental health issues, and completed a follow-up survey two years later. Many students could function fine in school, depending on the …

Could Surfing The Net Be Depressing You?

by Joe Gorman on April 13, 2010

It may turn out that investing all that time on facebook and blogging might have adverse affects on your mental health. In a recent study out of the UK published in the journal of Psycopathology, it was revealed that excessive internet usage may be linked to depression. This new form of “internet addiction” may be adversely affecting young people (ages 16 and up) for the escapism that the internet allows. In a survey of 1,319 people aged 16 to 51, about 220 were classified as “internet addicted”, which is considered …

Stress Triggers Obesity in Girls

by Lisa Watson on April 13, 2010

If parents need another good reason for helping their daughters manage stress and depression, a new obesity link study seems to demand it. It’s no secret that obesity is a major health issue in America, and according to the CDC “childhood obesity has more then tripled in the last 30 years.” Overweight girls are more likely to remain obese in adulthood; plus they are at a higher risk for developing various health problems, including Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Being overweight can be emotionally devastating for a young girl …

How to Overcome Teen and Adolescent Depression

by FYI Staff Writer on February 25, 2010

Teen and adolescent depression is a serious condition that can have long term consequences on a young person’s future. Teen with untreated depression are more likely to have trouble in school, and more likely engage in risky behavior, like unprotected sex. Teen depression statistics from TeenDepression.org state that about 20 percent of teens will experience some form of depression before adulthood. Teenagers can experience depression no matter what their gender, socioeconomic background, race, or level of achievement. If there is a teen in your life who seems to be exhibiting …