Teen Depression - What are our options?

There are a variety of treatment options available to help your teen cope with Depression. To find permanent, long term treatment of depression, an active participation on the part of the parent and teen is recommended. Examine the following list and decide which Depression treatment works best for your child.

Talking to Your Teen's Doctor About Depression

Communicating with your child’s doctor is an important part in the diagnosis and treatment of depression. By talking to your doctor openly about what your child is feeling, you allow him or her to provide your child with the best depression treatment possible.
To learn more about talking to your doctor, click here.

Non-prescriptive Alternatives

There are many non-prescription alternatives on the market today. Some of these alternatives contain supplemental vitamins and minerals, while others contain herbal alternatives that have been used to naturally medicate depression in children. A large body of clinical evidence suggests that herbal preparations containing St. Johns Wort, Valerian Root, Kava Kava, 5-HTP, Passion Flower, SAM-e and Ashwaghanda may provide relief of some symptoms associated with depression.
To learn more about non-prescription alternatives, click here.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy helps can help your teen weaken the connections between troublesome situations and the habitual reactions to them. Reactions common to Depression such as fear, worry, anger and self-damaging behavior can be controlled. Behavioral therapy teaches your child how to calm his or her mind and body, so he or she can feel better, think more clearly, and make better decisions. Behavior therapy requires active participation from both, the child and the parent.
To learn more about behavior behavior therapy, click here.

Cognitive Therapy

Cognitive therapy focuses on thinking patterns and coping techniques. Certain thinking patterns can cause symptoms of depression by giving your teen a distorted picture of what's going on in their life, and making them feel anxious, depressed or angry for no apparent reason. Automatic thoughts and emotions may also provoke teenagers into negative behaviors and actions. Resolving the cognitive aspect of Depression can mean improved social interaction, more confidence, and a more positive outlook on life.
To learn more about cognitive behavior therapy, click here.

Literary Therapy

Literary therapy incorporates books, articles, and other research materials into the process of healing. By gathering information about Depression, one can acquire in-depth knowledge about his or her problems. This knowledge provides the essential tools for controlling and resolving ones issues. There is an extensive amount of information available from a wide range of perspectives. Many books can be checked out from a local library, and most internet information is presented free of charge.
For a list of resources, click here.

Modern Medication Reference

A modern medication reference is a comprehensive guide to the prescription drugs available to treat Depression. There are several types of medications currently available to treat Depression. This reference allows one to learn about the types of medication, the symptoms treated, and the potential side effects of modern prescriptions when used for the treatment of Depression.
To view the modern medication reference center, click here.