Are depressed teens prone to violence?

Teens with depression might be more likely to commit violent crimes, a new study suggests. Researchers who analyzed data from Finland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom consistently found modest increases in risk for violence among depressed teenagers. Information on more than 62,000 young people aged 13 to 27 was used in the study.

"This research is important for two main reasons. First, it adds to the evidence of the many potential harms of untreated depression in young people," said study leader Dr. Seena Fazel.

"Second, it suggests that closer liaison between criminal justice and mental health might prevent violence in high-risk individuals," said Fazel, a professor of forensic psychiatry at the University of Oxford in England. The study doesn't prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship. But the data from Finland, for example, showed that about 7 percent of teens with depression were convicted of one or more violent crimes, compared with less than 4 percent of those without depression. The results were published in the August issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

The findings show the need for early treatment of depression in teens and young adults, Fazel's team said in a journal news release. There's also need for further study into the connections between depression and violence, the researchers said.

Increased impulsivity, hostility and poor self-regulation may be factors, the researchers suggested.

Do you ever wonder whether your irritable or unhappy adolescent might actually be experiencing teen depression? Of course, most teens feel unhappy at times. And when you add hormone havoc to the many other changes happening in a teen's life, it's easy to see why their moods swing like a pendulum. Yet findings show that one out of every eight adolescents has teen depression. But depression can be treated as well as the serious problems that come with it. So if your teen's unhappiness lasts for more than two weeks and he or she displays other symptoms of depression, it may be time to seek help from a health professional.

There are multiple reasons why a teenager might become depressed. For example, teens can develop feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy over their grades. School performance, social status with peers, sexual orientation, or family life can each have a major effect on how a teen feels. Sometimes, teen depression may result from environmental stress. But whatever the cause, when friends or family -- or things that the teen usually enjoys -- don't help to improve his or her sadness or sense of isolation, there's a good chance that he or she has teen depression.

Often, kids with teen depression will have a noticeable change in their thinking and behavior. They may have no motivation and even become withdrawn, closing their bedroom door after school and staying in their room for hours. Kids with teen depression may sleep excessively, have a change in eating habits, and may even exhibit criminal behaviors such as DUI or shoplifting.

HealthDay

Are depressed teens prone to violence?

Teens with depression might be more likely to commit violent crimes, a new study suggests. Researchers who analyzed data from Finland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom consistently found modest increases in risk for violence among depressed teenagers. Information on more than 62,000 young people aged 13 to 27 was used in the study. This research is important for two main reasons. First, it adds to the evidence of the many potential harms of untreated depression in young people, said study leader Dr. Seena Fazel. Second, it suggests that closer liaison between criminal justice and mental health might prevent violence in high-risk individuals, said Fazel, a professor of forensic psychiatry at the University of Oxford in England. The study doesnt prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship. But the data from Finland, for example, showed that about 7 percent of teens with depression were convicted of one or more violent crimes, compared with less than 4 percent of those without depression. The results were published in the August issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. The findings show the need for early treatment of depression in teens and young adults, Fazels team said in a journal news release. Theres also need for further study into the connections between depression and violence, the researchers said. Increased impulsivity, hostility and poor self-regulation may be factors, the researchers suggested. Do you ever wonder whether your irritable or unhappy adolescent might actually be experiencing teen depression? Of course, most teens feel unhappy at times. And when you add hormone havoc to the many other changes happening in a teens life, its easy to see why their moods swing like a pendulum. Yet findings show that one out of every eight adolescents has teen depression. But depression can be treated as well as the serious problems that come with it. So if your teens unhappiness lasts for more than two weeks and he or she displays other symptoms of depression, it may be time to seek help from a health professional. There are multiple reasons why a teenager might become depressed. For example, teens can develop feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy over their grades. School performance, social status with peers, sexual orientation, or family life can each have a major effect on how a teen feels. Sometimes, teen depression may result from environmental stress. But whatever the cause, when friends or family -- or things that the teen usually enjoys -- dont help to improve his or her sadness or sense of isolation, theres a good chance that he or she has teen depression. Often, kids with teen depression will have a noticeable change in their thinking and behavior. They may have no motivation and even become withdrawn, closing their bedroom door after school and staying in their room for hours. Kids with teen depression may sleep excessively, have a change in eating habits, and may even exhibit criminal behaviors such as DUI or shoplifting. HealthDay