Depression and Adolescent Females

Paper Summary:

Within this literature review, both seminal and current literature of relevance to the experiences of adolescent females in relation to depression is reviewed. Initially, information is provided regarding the prevalence of depression as it is experienced by adolescents. This is followed by a discussion of information as to what is known about the course and nature of adolescent depression as compared to adult episodes of depression. Subsequently, a review of the literature on factors found to be associated with adolescent depression is provided. After this, information is provided on suicide and the risks associated with suicidal behavior. A discussion is then provided on current information regarding treatment recommendations for adolescents at risk for or experiencing depression. This is followed by a discussion of issues that may impact treatment.

From the Paper:

"Prior to adolescence, evidence suggests that there is little difference in the rate of depression in boys and girls (NIMH, 2000). However, as reported by NIMH, between the ages of 11 and 13, there is a sharp increase in depression rates for girls. By the age of 15, females are twice as likely to have experienced a major depressive episode as males (Cyranowski, Frank, Young & Shear, 2003). Increased rates in depression for girls occurs at a time when developmentally they are facing drastic changes in roles and expectations and are attempting to deal with the stresses of adolescence, including forming an identity, emerging sexuality, separating from parents, and making decisions for the first time, along with other physical, intellectual, and hormonal changes. As some have suggested, girls respond to these changes and stresses differently than boys, leading to the onset of depression (NIMH, 2000). Prior research has indicated that female high school students have significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and adjustment disorders than male students, who have higher rates of disruptive behavior disorders (Lewisohn, Hyman, Roberts, Seeley & Andrews, 1993)."

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