Depression

A Look Inside the Impact of Depression in Adolescents and Young Adults

Kelsie Lindsay

PSYC 2130 P24

October 8, 2015

Dr. Lusk

Depression is a complicated psychiatric disorder that affects people of all ages. Although it is seen across all age groups, there has been an increase in early onset of depression disorders in the adolescent/young adult population (Gotlib, Kasch, Dubas, & Peterson, 2003). According to the Oxford Dictionary, depression is defined as, “A mental condition characterized by feelings of severe despondency and dejection, typically also with feelings of inadequacy and guilt, often accompanied by lack of energy and disturbance of appetite and sleep.” The causes of depression are as varied as the symptoms. Symptoms differ from person to person, and are commonly accompanied by other mental disorders as well. Because of the variety of different symptoms, treatment plans are also unique to each patient. I have seen first-hand the debilitating symptoms of depression in a young adult with whom I have a close relationship. Researching this topic, and also discussing the causes, symptoms, and treatments she has received, has given me a greater understanding of this problem, and how important it is for someone experiencing depression, or any mental illness, to get help.

Depression can be caused by several factors. One is a physical cause with neurotransmitter abnormalities in the brain (Watson & Cataldo, 2012). According to Gotlib et al., “As noted in the Surgeon General’s report on mental health (1999), some of the primary symptoms of depression, such as changes in sleep patterns and appetite, are related to functions of the hypothalamus.” Certain chemicals in the brain become out of balance. Brain chemical monoamine oxidase A breaks down other brain chemicals, such as serotonin, resulting in depressive symptoms. For this reason, medications to balance out brain chemicals are a common treatment for depression. Another factor that can...