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New Report Finds High Incidence of Depression in Adolescents
> 1/3/2006 9:05:28 AM

A report released today by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found that 9% of adolescents aged 12 to 17 had experienced one major depressive episode in the last year. The report also found that those teens who had experienced a major depressive episode were twice as likely to have used illicit drugs over the same period.

From the press release:
"These new data serve as a wake-up call to parents. Mental health is a critical part of the overall health and wellbeing of their children," said SAMHSA Administrator Charles Curie. "If parents have concerns about their child's behavior or emotions, they should discuss their concerns with their doctors, teachers, counselors, social workers, spiritual advisors, friends, or relatives who know about child development and mental health. Ask for help in finding out what the problem is and where to get services. Unfortunately, less than half of these children received any help for their depression."

To read the rest of the SAMHSA press release, click here.

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