Recognizing depression in young adults
There's probably not a kid around who hasn't cited the words, "I can't wait until I'm 21." What kids don't realize, however, is that the young adult years can sometimes be marked by a rather bumpy transition into adulthood. "This is a developmental stage in which young adults are expected to confront personal, social and academic pressures and, at the same time, cope on their own. They may be adjusting to college, starting a career, or beginning an intimate relationship. They may also be living by themselves for the first time, away from the security of parents," says
John Case, MD, chief of behavioral health at Virtua Health.
While most young people weather the storm of the 20- and 30-something years, others may have more difficulty navigating the turbulence. "People who are predisposed to certain medical conditions – like diabetes, arthritis or depression – begin to experience symptoms," says Dr. Case. "In the case of depression, it is precipitated by extreme stress."
What are the causes?
What to look for
Treatment
What are the causes?
While the cause of depression is not fully understood, researchers believe that it may be inherited since it tends to run in families. Scientists also believe that depression stems from chemical changes in the brain. According to this theory, life events that cause stress can trigger changes in the chemical messengers that communicate information from nerve cell to nerve cell. Severe reactions to stressful situations such as a failed relationship, plummeting grades, career instability, or peer rejection can make a young person vulnerable to depression.
What to look for
Since many young adults are reluctant to share their innermost feelings and try to maintain the status quo, it can be difficult for family and friends to recognize the stress they are experiencing and how it is affecting behavior and mood.
Signs to look for are persistent indecisiveness, lack of commitment, failure to maintain relationships, drug or alcohol abuse, and the classic signs of depression such as changes in appetite, sleep or energy; lack of interest, desire or motivation; self-hatred or criticism; impaired concentration; feelings of despair, helplessness and entrapment.
At its worst, depression can lead to suicide. "What's difficult in the case of young adults is that they typically don't go to doctors, and they don't have the life experiences that enable a more mature adult to step back and see that things will get better," says Dr. Case. If suicide is suspected, it's critical to seek immediate treatment.
Treatment
Almost everyone recovers from depression with proper care. Treatment generally takes place on an outpatient basis and begins with a thorough evaluation. The information gathered forms the basis of a customized treatment plan, which focuses on an individual's needs and strengths.
Most people benefit from a combination of medication and focused psychotherapy. In general, antidepressant medications work by changing the balance of chemicals in the brain in order to restore equilibrium. Focused psychotherapy is a conversational session whereby a patient meets with a therapist to discuss the issues that are contributing to the depression. The behavioral health program at Virtua offers these services as well as emergency care, inpatient treatment, and a new partial hospital program for individuals who need a highly structured form of outpatient care.
Recognizing that depression is a very real illness with physical and mental symptoms, and seeking treatment are the first steps toward wellness. It's important to acknowledge that people cannot simply pull themselves out of it. With treatment, depression can be and is effectively treated.