Teen Depression
Dr. Carol Glod
Dr. Carol Glod is Director of Nursing Research at McLean Hospital. She conducts
studies of adolescent
depression and its possible treatments.
Depression in teens usually goes undiagnosed, and often leads to drug and
alcohol abuse or additional behavioral disorders. Furthermore, depression
is the leading cause of suicide. In a recent national survey of high school
students, nearly 20% of teens thought about attempting suicide, and more than
8% made a suicide attempt.
Teens with depression often look and act differently than adults with depression.
For example, teens are usually irritable, rather than sad and depressed. Dr.
Glod discusses how many teens develop depression, what signs of depression
to look for in teens, how parents and friends can help a depressed teen, treatments
for teen depression, and her clinical studies.
How common is depression in teens?
Is depression more prevalent in teenage
girls or boys?
Why are the numbers of teens who report
having suicidal attempts so high?
How do the symptoms of teen depression
differ from adult depression?
Is alcohol and drug abuse a symptom
of underlying depression?
How does a parent determine the difference
between typical teen rebellious behavior and depression?
How are teens normally screened for depression
in their community and schools?
What should a friend say to someone who
is depressed?
If a depressed teen doesn't want anybody
to know, should a friend break his or her confidence?
What advice do you have for parents or
friends trying to help a teen?
What challenges do you face in treating
teens?
Which is better: talk therapy or medication
for teen depression?
What studies are you conducting into
teen depression?
What is the benefit to the patient?
Can it be dangerous for a teen to
participate in a clinical study?
Which types of teens are most interested
in participating in studies?
