2 Million Teens Suffer from Depression; How to Tell and What to Do

New Insurance Law May Help Parents with Treatment of Depressed and Addicted Teens

According to a report published by the Associated Press, nearly two million teens in America are depressed and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is calling for doctors to routinely screen all teenagers for depression. The government-appointed task force findings, reported in the April issue of Pediatrics journal, state that 6% of teens are clinically depressed and detailed but simple screening questionnaires given in pediatrician offices can easily detect teen depression.

A new law passed in October of 2008 and going into effect in January 2010 may help parents with insurance coverage for treatment of depressed teens and teens with substance abuse problems. The Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 will end the inequity of insurance coverage in many group health plans between mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment and physical health treatment. The new law does not mandate that group health insurance plans provide coverage for mental health or substance abuse treatment, but if they already provide that coverage, it must be with the same level of benefits as is the physical health coverage with respect to deductibles, co-pays, out-of-pocket expenses, and annual or lifetime dollar limits.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has videos for parents who need to learn more about teen depression, helping teens cope with anxiety and stress, learning the warning signs of teen suicide, and dealing with behavioral and mental health problems in teens. Some of the early warning signs that a teen is depressed include changes in appetite, changes in mood, withdrawal from social activities, withdrawal from family activities, anxiety, and substance abuse. While most teens experience short, temporary periods of emotions, feelings, and confusion about life, parents must learn the warning signs and treatment options for more serious adolescent mental health problems.