Depression In Teens free essay sample

An analysis of the phenomenon of depression among adolescents. This paper explores the development stages of an adolescent against the backdrop of teen depression. Ericksons and Piagets theory of child development is used to explain the causes of depressive and suicidal feelings in adolescents. Approximately five percent of children and adolescents experience depression at some point in their lives (AACAP 1998). Jean Piaget and Erik Erikson studied the development of the adolescents. Their theories will give clearer understanding to why teenagers become depressed and what can be done about the problem. Depression comes from a variety of problems in the adolescents life. Recognizing depression is important. Out of 100,000 adolescents, two to three thousand will have mood disorders out of which 8-10 will commit suicide (Brown 1996). The causes of depression in a teenager can stem from family problems, peer pressure and bullying, and changes in the teens life.