Managing Depression in Adolescents Part 2

Risks of Not Treating

RISKS OF NOT TREATING:

You may be wondering… why are we talking about risks of not treating? Of course we will treat. But understanding these risks can help us. For example, we can view these risks as warning signs that a pt’s depression is being under treated, & parents can be instructed to be alert to their existence.

So let’s get into it… if left untreated, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) has a slew of consequences that can affect a child in a variety of ways including the child’s emotional, cognitive and social development. It is also likely to cause a strain on familial relationships. Naturally, suicide attempts and completion are both HUGE RISKS of untreated MDD. Previous studies have found that 60% of children/adolescents with MDD experience suicidal ideation and as many as 30% attempt suicide.

The risk of suicidal behavior increases when a child or adolescent has a history of suicide attempts, co-occurring disorders such as disruptive disorders or substance abuse, impulsivity or aggression, access to lethal means such as firearms, exposure to negative events such as physical or sexual abuse, and a family history of suicide. HINT: these factors increase risk of suicide in adults as well.

Children and adolescents with depressive disorders are also at high risk for substance abuse, legal issues, exposure to negative life events, physical illness, early pregnancy, and poor academic and work performance. Unfortunately, untreated depression can affect school performance and seriously alter the trajectory of a young person’s life. Other factors such as co-occurring disorders, physical illness, family functioning, parental mental health, low socioeconomic status, and exposure to negative life events can also affect the psychosocial functioning of depressed youth.

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DISCLAIMER

This is not Medical Advice and while the writer believes what he has shared, substack dot com does not equate to strong evidence. Please do not treat patients based on what is read in this post, these are opinions of an internet stranger. Instead use these posts as a starting point for furthering your own study & education.