4 Troubled Teens Blog

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) in children can predict later anxiety disorders and depression in young adulthood, according to a new study in the journal Archives of General Psychiatry. The study also found that adolescent depression predicts young adult depression.

• Researchers studied data from the Great Smoky Mountains study, a longitudinal study of the development of psychiatric disorders in rural and urban youth.
• Participants were assessed at age 9 to 12 years old, again at ages 13 to 16 years old, and still again at ages 19 to 21 years old.
• Substance use disorders, antisocial personality disorders, and anxiety disorders predicted similar problems in adulthood.

This study was conducted by researchers with Duke University Medical Center and the University of North Carolina.

Labels: depresion, anxiety, oopositional defiant disorder

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Most parents probably don't worry about depression and related mood disorders in their children until the teen years. But a new study indicates that even infants can suffer from these and other mental health problems.

A new study from Canada found that almost 15 percent of preschoolers have high levels of depression and anxiety. Children whose mothers are depressed are at high risk for the disorder, which can show up even in five-month-old babies.

Dr. Sylvana Cote of the University of Montreal and her colleagues are studied 1,758 children from Quebec for five years.

We found that lifetime maternal depression was the second most important predictor of atypically high depressive and anxiety problems during preschool years, Dr. Cote wrote. Difficult temperament at five months was the most important predictor of depression and anxiety.

The study appeared in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.

Labels: depression, anxiety, infants

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Teens with high anxiety levels perceive threats when conditions are actually safe, according to a new study from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Dr. Michelle Craske and her colleagues are in the fourth year of an eight-year study to identify which factors put teens at risk for adult depression.

At the beginning of the study, the 650 participants were sixteen years old. They receive a mild electric shock when a screen became red, but no shocks when they were before a green screen. Teens with high levels of negative emotions, such as fear, anger, sadness, and shame, were more likely to tense up and have higher startle responses even when their screens were safe or green.

Dr. Craske believes that these teens are at risk for depression and anxiety as adults.

This study appears in the journal Biological Psychiatry.

Labels: depression, anxiety

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Everyone experiences occasional anxiety. It causes us to look both ways before crossing the street, and to be careful (hopefully) with our words when we're upset. Teenagers feel some anxiety, too, and that's OK - but high levels of this emotion require attention.

"If your child is experiencing undue anxiety, there are several things you can do to help. Good, basic self-care - as in making sure your child eats real food and is getting enough rest and exercise - can help to keep your kid on a level plane."

Parents can help their child cope with anxiety by making sure that his basic needs are met. Help him eat well, and make sure that he is getting plenty of rest and adequate amounts of exercise. If a child's anxiety level seems disproportionate to the stresses in his life, consider having him talk with a professional counselor. Counseling can be an important tool in helping a child learn how to address and cope with stress. Source: Poughkeepsie Journal (NY)

Labels: parental_involvement, anxiety

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For decades, childhood depression has been linked to issues such as abuse, abandonment, brain injury, and chronic anxiety. But British Columbia Children's Hospital psychiatrist Jane Garland wants to add something to the list: "affluenza".

"Children who are overly indulged or who use a depressive coping style may develop what she calls 'learned helplessness' and can be heard saying things such as, 'Nothing ever works out for me,' or 'There's no use trying,' or 'Nothing I do ever makes a difference.'"

Affluenza is seen as an increasing problem among today's teenagers, many of whose parents are detached and uninvolved, and who rarely suffer consequences for their actions. The lack of attention and discipline creates a mindset in the children that they can get whatever they want with little or effort. Doses of reality - a low test score, or not being selected for a school sports team - can trigger depressive episodes. Source: Canwest News Service

Labels: depression, anxiety, abuse

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A 2004 survey conducted by the American College Health Association found that nearly 15 percent of all college students meet the criteria for clinical depression. Another seven percent have been diagnosed with anxiety disorders.

"Sophomore Taylor Evans believes that 'the stress and constant worry about keeping grades up and passing classes combined with having to struggle to figure out what it is that you want to do for the rest of your life' are primary causes behind these illnesses."

The American Psychiatric Association, on its website, offers suggestions for helping young college students avoid things like depression and anxiety. Getting enough sleep, sticking to a regular schedule, and maintaining a proper diet are just a few of their tips.

College students who need a healthy, structured living environment can find their place at NorthStar Center. Located in Bend, Oregon, NorthStar offers an aftercare program for older teens and young adults.

Labels: depression, anxiety, college

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A recent study of over 800 students found that depression and anxiety increase in girls who constantly talk about their problems. The study's lead author, Amanda Rose, said the results may indicate that girls tend to blame themselves when theyre not popular or aren't dating the boy of their dreams.

"The study's findings add a cautionary note to the perennial advice to the young that they should always talk about their problems instead of bottling them up. 'Talking about problems is a good thing, but too much talk is too much of a good thing,' said Rose."

Though boys didn't seem to be affected by how frequently they talked about their problems, girls seemed to find themselves in a vicious cycle. Talking about their problems made them feel more anxious and depressed, which caused them to want to talk more about their problems, which led to greater feelings of depression and anxiety. Read more online.

Learn more about teen depression, including ways to help and treatment options, at About-Teen-Depression.com.

Labels: depression, therapy, anxiety

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Social anxiety is a medical condition in which a person experiences extreme fear over being in social situations. The person may be afraid of meeting new people, or of embarrassing himself in public. Only about one percent of children and adolescents are diagnosed with social anxiety, but many believe the number to be higher as some children are simply considered "shy" and aren't properly diagnosed.

"Social phobia may look different in young people than in adults. While adults recognize the excessiveness of their discomfort, children may not have that understanding... Adolescents may simply avoid group gatherings or describe little interest in friendships."

Social anxiety is treated mainly through counseling and sometimes includes medications. Read more at MassGeneral.org.

Mood disorders describe a range of behavioral issues that may occur in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. Teenage depression and bi-polar disorders can be treated through medication and therapy. Learn more at www.adolescent-mood-disorders.com.

Labels: anxiety, mood_disorders, shyness

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Studies presented at the American Psychological Association meeting in early August showed that trauma suffered during childhood can trigger a host of challenges.

"Our latest research shows that those reporting multiple adversities could shorten their life span by seven to 15 years," says Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, a health psychologist at the Ohio State University College of Medicine. "What we have is clear evidence that adverse childhood experience may have lasting, measurable consequences."  [Source: DailyComet.com]

More than 130 adult participants completed questionnaires for the study, answering questions about their childhoods. Those whose parents had severe marital problems, witnessed abuse or were victims of abuse were more likely to show symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Labels: depression, anxiety, trauma

Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton 1 Comment

The transition to college can be a stressful one. New city, new roommate, big campus... it’s a lot of change. For years, people have said that transition is harder at some schools than others; the classes are more challenging and expectations are higher, making kids at those schools more susceptible to mental illness and even suicide. But is that true?

“Suicide can be highly imitative in nature. That means it often occurs in clusters – both on and off college campuses. Any given school can go years without a single student suicide and then have half a dozen or more within a year or two.

But the idea that some schools are particularly prone to suicide – because they are too demanding or attract a certain type of student – is not supported by research.” - Source: Newsweek

Fortunately, most schools are equipped to help students who struggle with anxiety, stress, depression and other mental illnesses.

 

Labels: stress, suicide, depression, students, anxiety, college

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Anxiety disorders affect tens of millions of Americans, including many teenagers. Patrick McGrath, a Ph.D. and Director of Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital Center for Anxiety and OCD in Illinois says anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health disorders in the U.S.

“Anxiety disorders cause people to live in intense fear. They consequently withdraw from everyday activities, even activities they enjoy. Yet, according to the AADA, approximately two-thirds of those with an anxiety disorder don’t seek treatment, and as Dr. McGrath points out, those who do seek treatment may not go to the right specialist.” - Source: KTXL-TV (Sacramento, CA)

Dr. McGrath encourages people who seek treatment for anxiety disorders to find a therapist trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Exposure and Response Prevention, which have been proven most effective in treating anxiety disorders.

 

Labels: anxiety

Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton 2 Comments