Young people who have a major depressive episode of two weeks or longer are twice as likely to use drugs for the first time or take their first drink than those who are not depressed. A study of teens 12 to 17 years of age revealed that 2.2 million young people face major depression each year.

Of the teens studied who had never drank alcohol before, 29.1 percent who were depressed took their first drink in the past year compared with 14.5 percent who did not have a depression episode.

Of those who had never used drugs before, 16.1 percent with depression started using drugs for the first time, compared to 6.9 percent of the non-depressed teens.

For the study, a major depressive episode was defined as "a period of two weeks or longer during which there is depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure and at least four other symptoms that reflect a change in functioning, such as problems with sleep, eating, energy, concentration and self-image."

2.7 Million New Drinkers

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health study also found:

• Of teens 12-17, a total of 8.8 percent reported depression in the past 12 months.

• Reported depression increased with age, with 4.3 percent of 12-year-olds and 11.9 percent of 17-year-olds having episodes.

• Teen girls were three times more likely than boys to report depression -- 13.3 percent compared with 4.5 percent.

• All totalled 2.7 million teens took their first drink and 1.5 million used drugs for the first time in 2005.

"As National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, May 8, approaches, it's important to remember that depression is real and painful for youths," said Terry Cline, Ph.D., SAMHSA Administrator. "Recognizing depression early and helping youths receive appropriate help may prevent substance use."

The full report, "Depression and the Initiation of Alcohol and Other Drug Use among Youths Aged 12 to 17," is available online.

Source: SAMSHA News Release.

More Information:

• Depression - The Invisible Disease
  
• Depression Symptom Quiz
  
• About Depression Guide

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