Depression and Young Girls, are Rates Increasing?

Girls and Depression

Increasing Rates of Depression in Girls

As rates of depression among the girl demographic increases, it gives pause to how this will affect future generations of adults. We pride ourselves on removing the stigma of mental health. It’s important that treatment for mental health issues becomes more socially accepted.

Teenagers and angst seem to go hand-in-hand with one another. However, sometimes there is more than just angst going on. What happens then? Research is starting show us that clinic depression with young girls is starting to rise. For instance, clinic depression among adolescent girls has increased by 37 percent, with one in six girls experiencing an episode in the past year. A study published by Pediatrics, recently addressed the mental issues of young people and its overwhelming  prevalence. 

“This shows us there are a growing number of untreated adolescents with depression and that we are making few inroads in getting mental health care to this population. It is imperative that we find ways to reach these teenagers and help them manage their depression,” says Ramin Mojatabai, MD, PhD, MPH at the Bloomberg School. Ramin is explaining a recent epidemic. The epidemic is that we have seen enormous climbs in young adults being diagnosed with depression. Shockingly, there have been lower rates of treatment.

Thoughts that Economic Downturn Could be Affecting Adolescents

From 2005 to 2014, depressive episodes among female adolescents increased from 13.1 percent to 17.3 percent with whites more predisposed than non-whites.  There is an interesting coincidence of the resulting increase – the economic downturn. Although, the change in economic climate did not affect the rate of depression in young adults.

Depression Increases may Link to Social Media

Some think that the growth in depression among females may be correlated to their increased use of social media, screen entertainment, and mobile phones. 

However, the problem remains: suicide rates for adolescent girls has tripled over the last 15 years. One of the predictions? Suicidal rates could be growing due to the most popular depression medications having a warning sign for people under the age of 26. The warning states: that by taking the medication you can increase your risk of suicidal thoughts and actions.

Depression should always be taken seriously. At Amen Clinics, we see each patient as an individual and they are diagnosed and treated as such, using the least toxic and most effective means possible. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of depression, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and we can help navigate the way. Call 888-288-9834 today.

7 Comments »

  1. Of course suicide rates are increasing…It’s not only with females but with young males. Politically correct feminists continually tell adolescents they can be anything they want to aspire to just by wishing it so…without hard work and determination. Most are confused by gender engineering making them believe there are more than God’s design. They buy into the garbage that they can establish real friendship on Facebook. When the are totally messed up we turn them over to psychological money making clinics instead of a foundationally functioning family…Usually because we don’t know or can’t remember how. To define family.

    Comment by Henry Sinopoli — May 21, 2018 @ 3:37 AM

  2. Why isn’t feeling hopeless from adult helplessness to change gun violence in schools addressed as a possible issue. These kids are now expressing the understanding that they could be next to die just by going to school. That IS depressing and anxiety provoking!

    Comment by Carolyn Bradley — May 21, 2018 @ 5:38 AM

  3. I see teen depression as a non-gender issue that is just as problematic in males as females. Having a less aggressive nature, by Nature, girls internalize, rather than act out as boys do. Add in our entertainment industry’s lean to violence, copycat behavior, social and peer pressure for a relationship and an anxiety-producing mix erupts.
    Teens do not delay gratification and expect immediate action/reward. I question our past several generational tendencies to indulge our children rather than guide and lead them. Drugs are contributing to this, hailing from the 60’s.
    Parental responsibility has slackened and in some homes is non-existant . Home is not even a reliable source of food in my area, with 70% of elementary students receiving free lunch and food-filled backpacks to take home for the week end.
    To me, these are the cruxes of the school shooting issue which must be addressed by schools immediately and directed by health professionals as are in your clinic. The problem and cure are massive. One guidance counselor per 500-1,000 cannot touch the problem. Intervention, most likely by the school must be addressed. Money must be alotted.
    Schools have had to step in to feed our needy children physically. Now the issue is helping our children mentally and to save lives universally.

    Comment by Gayle Stevens — May 21, 2018 @ 7:21 AM

  4. Hey Dr. Amen, My daughter and I need help. Like you said these problems are generational. Now she has a 4 year old. We would both like to come to Atlanta for scans. Do you still utilize a family discount? Im on disability retirement from the post office, which is not much. However we have Federal Blue Cross n Blue Shield insurance. Looking forward to getting started. Thank you!

    Comment by Kathy Hatch — May 21, 2018 @ 8:40 PM

  5. I have Bipolar and PTSD if you need Cosmetic Dentistry Dentist G4 implants would it make your Bipolar and PTSD worse does anyone know Thanks.

    Comment by Arnold Cabral — May 22, 2018 @ 6:18 AM

  6. Hello Kathy, we will have a Care Coordinator reach out to you. We do have a family discount plan – https://amenclinics.com/family-discount-plan/. If you need to reach us, please call 888-288-9834. Talk soon.

    Comment by Amen Clinics — May 22, 2018 @ 12:59 PM

  7. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2005–2006, estimated vitamin D intakes from both food and dietary supplements. Average intake levels for males from foods alone ranged from 204 to 288 IU/day depending on life stage group; for females the range was 144 to 276 IU/day. The Minimum Daily Requirement for males is 600 IU/day. Such low levels also affect mood and emotional stability. What to do? Start a vitamin D level testing program in the schools and identify and treat students at risk. This is something we can do that will have a positive effect on the student experience.

    Comment by Paul — May 28, 2018 @ 7:35 PM

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