Causes of Teen Depression

The cause of teen depression does not arise from a single origin or a single event. It is not simply "errors in thinking," or merely a "chemical imbalance," as is sometimes implied. Nor is depression solely a result of interpersonal difficulties. Depression is a complex organization of biological, psychological, and social systems, all working in concert to create a psychic organization in the affected person that results in the need to retreat from or fight against the world, or to become so busy with activity that the underlying feelings of despair are not allowed to emerge into consciousness. For more on the causes of depression, see Contributing Factors To Teen Depression.

While it is true that depression's multiple and interdependent causes makes treatment more complicated, it is equally true that any one of the many causal factors may be the entry point for effective treatment; in other words, positively affecting one area of the depressed teen's life will invariable have a positive affect on numerous other areas. Again, keep in mind that the cause of teen depression is not of a single origin or a single event.

Duration of Teen Depression

Treatment of Teen Depression

Teen Depression Resources & References