Depression in adolescents usually presents as irritability, withdrawal from family and friends, fall in scholastic performance and decrease in social interactions. Suicidal attempt can also be an impulsive act that is part of risk taking behavior in an adolescent . The process of neurobiological maturation in an adolescent brain is completed by 23-25 yrs of age and till this age is reached , the adolescent brain is evolving with gradual maturation of the prefrontal lobe in form of pruning and myelination. Hence , the adolescent is emotionally charged , with minimal thought of consequences of current action.
Prevalence of depression in adolescents is related to age, gender and socioeconomic conditions . Early teens have lower prevalence between 10-14 yrs : prevalence 1 % , older teens ( 16-19 yrs ) : upto 25% . Depression is equal in both sexes , till onset of puberty , however with…
