Depression is very common in teens, with just over 1 in 10 teens experiencing a major depressive episode during this time. Sadly, suicide is now the 2nd leading cause of death in this age group. In this podcast we discuss the importance of identifying depression in teens. What signs to look out for and the steps to receiving a diagnosis. We review treatment options including therapy and medications and how to respond if your teen is having thoughts or feelings of suicide.
This episode written by Drs. Lena van der List and Dean Blumberg.
We would like to thank Dr. Melissa Hopkins, child psychiatrist at UC Davis Children’s Hospital for reviewing this episode, although Drs. Dean and Lena take full responsibility for any errors or misinformation.
Supplemental material:

* Help Guide Parent's Guide to Teen Depression

* National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

* Healthy Children Adolescent Depression: What Parents Can Do To Help

* American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Depression in Children and Teens

* National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Patient Safety Plan Template

* Suicide Safety Plan app

Photo from LifeWay