Adolescent depression
Major depressive episodes (MDEs) are increasingly prevalent among U.S. adolescents, posing a significant challenge to both healthcare providers and the broader behavioral health system. In 2021, approximately 1 in 5 adolescents aged 12 to 17, an estimated 5 million individuals, experienced at least one MDE. Among them, nearly 3.7 million adolescents reported symptoms severe enough to cause serious functional impairment, affecting relationships, academic performance, and overall well-being4.
Depression during adolescence often goes undetected or untreated, leading to compounded risks over time. Youth struggling with depression are more likely to experience chronic medical conditions, poor academic outcomes, and social withdrawal1. Depression is also strongly correlated with suicidality, a major public health concern. Suicide ranks among the leading causes of death for individuals aged 10 to 24 and is the second leading cause of death for those aged 10 to 142,3.
Early identification and comprehensive treatment planning are essential. Providers must prioritize routine mental health screenings, ensure access to evidence-based care, and support collaborative care models that include behavioral health integration. Doing so can help mitigate long-term consequences and support healthier trajectories for adolescents at risk.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2018). Guidelines for adolescent depression in primary care (GLAD-PC): Parts I & II. Pediatrics, 141(3).
- American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.; DSM-5-TR).
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). 10 leading causes of death by age group, United States.
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Major depression among adolescents.
- Clinical Practice Guideline for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Major and Persistent Depressive Disorders
- Guidelines for Adolescent Depression in Primary Care (GLAD-PC): Part I. Practice Preparation, Identification, Assessment, and Initial Management | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics
- Depression — Screening and Treating Depression in Adolescents | New England Journal of Medicine
| Pharmacologic class | Common brand names & formulations | Generic name |
| Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) |
|
Citalopram |
| Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) |
|
Escitalopram |
| Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) |
|
Paroxetine |
| Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) |
|
Fluoxetine |
| Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) |
|
Sertraline |
| Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) |
|
Duloxetine |
| Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) |
|
Venlafaxine |
| Weakly inhibits dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake |
|
Bupropion |
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