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Major Depressive Disorder
Brynne Nicholas
Department of Psychology, Southern New Hampshire University
PSY 314: Disorders of Child/Adolescence
Instructor Barry Lipin
September 11, 2022
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Major Depressive Disorder
The topic on childhood and adolescent disorders that I have decided to further research is
major depressive disorder. According to the World Health Organization, mental disorders affect
approximately one out of every seven children/adolescents ages ten to nineteen years old but are
mostly untreated and/or unrecognized. "Depression, anxiety and behavioral disorders are among
the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents” (World Health Organization).
Failure to address mental health issues of adolescence has long-term effects that carry on into
adulthood, leading to both mental and physical health impairments as well as restricting the
opportunity to live and have fulfilling lives as adults. Mental health issues leave adolescents
especially susceptible to discrimination, audacious behaviors, social exclusion, difficulties in
school, poor physical health, and stigmatization.
Common in adolescence, depression is considered an emotional disorder. Depression is
estimated to occur among 1.1% of adolescents aged 10-14 years, and 2.8% of 15-19-year-olds"
(World Health Organization). Loss of interest in activities or persistent depressed mood in which
daily life is significantly impaired are characteristics of depression. The loss of interest in
activities or persistent depressed mood can lead to a variety of physical and behavioral symptoms
including changes in energy level, self-esteem, everyday behavior, concentration, appetite, and
sleep (Bruce, D. F., n.d.). Academic performance and attendance can be significantly impacted
by depression. Loneliness and isolation may worsen due to social withdrawal caused by
depression and can result in suicide if left untreated.
Children and adolescents frequently experience depression; thus, it is important to
increase public awareness to help better identify symptoms, make seeking treatment more
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accessible, and avoid leaving them untreated with the disorder. Addressing the needs of
adolescents with depression is imperative. “Avoiding institutionalization and over-
medicalization, prioritizing non-pharmacological approaches, and respecting the rights of
children in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and other human
rights instruments are key for adolescents’ mental health” (World Health Organization).
I have chosen to research this topic because I have suffered from depression since I was a
very young child, and it has continued to affect me for most of my life. When furthering my
research on depression in children and adolescence, I want to have a better understanding of
what the effects of early detection are in comparison to struggling for what seems like a lifetime
with the disorders. I also would like to further research on how public awareness of depression
can be increased so that symptoms can be identified more quickly, and treatment can be more
accessible without leaving these children and adolescents suffering from untreated depression.
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References
Bruce, D. F. (n.d.). Types of depression: Major, chronic, manic, and more types. WebMD.
Retrieved September 13, 2022, from
https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-types
World Health Organization. (n.d.). Adolescent mental health. World Health Organization.
Retrieved September 7, 2022, from
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health
