By, Laura P. Naylor Abstract Depression is very common in adolescence and if not treated properly it can produce long-term negative consequences, such as alcohol and drug abuse, criminal behavior, and even suicide.  It is imperative that parents, educators, mental health workers, and the entire society better understand the signs, symptoms, risk factors, and behavior problems associated with depression in adolescence.  This paper attempts to provide society with a better understanding of adolescent depression by reviewing the current literature on adolescent depression. This paper defines depression and reviews its symptoms, as well as the genetic, environmental, and social influences of adolescent depression. It also examines gender and racial differences among adolescents with depression and examines treatment options available to depressed adolescents. Introduction Everyone has most likely experienced a sad mood at one time or another in their lives.  A short period of … [Read more...]