The Burden of Depression in Adolescents and the Importance of Early Recognition

Mental health disorders are frequent during the developmental years, particularly in adolescents. The leading cause of disability in young people are neuropsychiatric conditions, which if left untreated may severely affect development, including educational and social achievements. It has been reported that 10%-20% of individuals experience a form of mental disorder during childhood and adolescence worldwide.1 One-half of them arise by 14 years of age.2 Among adolescent mental health disorders, depression is one of the most frequent conditions, and it is indicated as one of the most alarming “new morbidities. The onset of depression is typically around mid-to-late adolescence, and it important to recognize its early warning signs and symptoms. Early intervention can often prevent the later development of a severe depressive illness. For instance, in adolescents, depression is a major risk factor for suicide, and more than one-half of adolescent suicide victims were reported to have a depressive disorder at the time of death. Depression also leads to serious social and educational maladjustments in this age group, such as an increased rate of smoking, substance misuse, eating disorders, and obesity.This commentary aims to further raise awareness of pediatricians on the burden and risks faced by adolescents developing depression. In particular, we emphasize that new morbidities should be part of the formal training in pediatrics worldwide, enabling the new generations of pediatricians to recognize these pathologic conditions in a timely manner and effectively deal with them.