Teen Depression Statistics
Why is teen depression a concern? One of the reasons teen depression is of particular concern is because it is often related to
teen suicide, which is the third leading cause of death among
adolescents. Teen depression also affects the social and academic lives of many adolescents. In addition, teen depression is linked to drug use, academic difficulties, and many other problems affecting youth. Teen depression is episodic and recurrent, with relapse rates of 12% within a year and 33% within 4 years. By age 18, some 20% of adolescents have experienced at least 1 episode of serious depression, a rate that equals that of the US population in general. Teen depression, especially if left untreated, is often a precursor to adult depression.
Studies have consistently shown that, beginning in adolescence, girls are more prone to depression than boys. While the reasons for this are unclear, studies on gender differences in depression have shown that boys are more likely to choose distraction and avoidance to deal with problems, while girls are more likely to choose rumination (turning an idea over and over in one's mind). It may be that rumination, coupled with girls' increased developmental challenges in adolescence, is what tips the balance toward increased teen depression for girls.
Gender roles created and reinforced by society may also be a factor in the increased depression found in girls. Girls are generally expected to be more passive and non-dominant, decreasing the likelihood of their choosing active problem solving or distracting strategies. Boys who are more inclined to feminine style problem solving behaviors are at a particular disadvantage because such behavior is contrary to expectations of culturally determined masculine behavior.
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