Signs of Teenage Depression and the Side Effects From Medication

Some parents are busy working and taking care of their daily routines so they don't realize changes in their teenager. There are many signs for depression in teenagers, most of these signs are very noticeable. Spending more time with your teenager and being more involved with them will help you notice these changes. Depression is a serious problem that can interfere with a child's life. If depression is untreated it will lead to more serious issues.

Signs of depression

Isolation is a sure sign of depression in teenager as in most people although, teenage depression is very different from adult depression. If your teenager spends most of their time in their bedroom isolated instead of hanging with friends and family, this may be a concern. Most teenagers love hanging out with friends and doing activities together. Another thing a teenager will due with depression is ignore friends by not talking on the phone with them or hanging out with them. They may start making new friends that are a bad influence on them and most likely the new friends are supplying the drugs to your teenager.

A teenager suffering from depression may also turn to drugs for an escape. If your teenagers grades are failing, they are asking for money more often than usual, or they are stealing whether it be from a parent or others, this is how they support their drug habit.
If your teenager has never been in trouble before and is now getting involved in fighting or abusing themselves physically, this may be another sign of depression. Teenagers who are suffering from depression will take it out on others whether it be physical or verbal abuse. A teenager may even run away from home, when this happens it is usually a cry for help. Other signs of depression are, changes in eating and sleeping habits, frequent crying, lack of energy, feelings of worthlessness and sadness, or hopelessness.

Medications and side effects

Some medications seem to help teenagers cope with depression, while others have done more harm than good. Some teenagers taking antidepressants have committed suicide. Others have learn to deal with their depression and find it easier to function. Most common antidepressants are Prozac, Paxil, Celexa, Luvox, Lexapro and Zoloft.

There are many side effects that come with taking these antidepressants. Side effects include, headaches, dry mouth, tremors, anxiety, nausea, sleepiness, sweating, constipation, diarrhea, insomnia, fatigue, dizziness, weight gain, or loss.

Sources

HelpGuide.org: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_teen.htm