If Your Adolescent Has Depression: An Essential Resource for Parents

by Dwight L. Evans, Moira A. Rynn, Katherine Ellison

The authoritative guide to understanding and helping a teenager with depression.

While coping with teenage moodiness can be difficult under any circumstances, it can be especially challenging if a teenager has a serious mood disorder. This concise, readable book is the definitive guide to understanding and getting effective help for adolescents with depression, designed for parents and other adults in contact with afflicted teens. It combines the most current scientific expertise available today--including the newest treatments and medications and the latest research findings on depression--with no-nonsense, hands-on advice from parents who have faced this mood disorder in their own children.

Among other topics, the book addresses the roots of depression, red flags to look out for, treatment options for young people, and practical strategies for helping a teen cope at home and at school. It concludes on a hopeful note, by reviewing the latest scientific evidence on treating depression. A growing body of research now shows that early diagnosis and treatment of depression may reduce the severity of the disease, both now and in the future. Including chapters on sex, drugs, and social media, and life after high school, this book will provide the information and tools parents need to help adolescents achieve the best possible outcome.

Genres: Parenting, Self Help

288 pages, Hardcover

First published August 11, 2005

Reviews

[Lyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful. Would definitely recommend it for parents if they aren't sure whether to take their children's behavior or statements seriously or if seeking help may be necessary. The text also sometimes addresses stigma and skepticism.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

My main issue with this book is how much fear and desperation is baked into the pages. I understand this is a very serious topic, with life changing or life threatening outcomes if not handled wisely. But I found that the book left very little room for hope. Maybe the author wanted to air on the serious side so there was no misunderstandings. I was hoping for a little more optimism.

Thankfully, I am not turning to this book because my love one has been diagnosed with bi polar. I am reading it to better understand something I am unfamiliar with. I hope this book helps those that need it.

[bup · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you need to read a book about adolescents with depression or bipolar disorder, I don't know a better one.

This one is pretty basic, and is a quick read - a very light 170 pages. I'm not sure I learned anything, but it helped cement my instincts.

So I guess it's a good first read, although it may be getting a bit long in the tooth. I don't know how much of the information about health benefits and navigating the US health system is still accurate.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of information for parents who have children who are bipolar. I need to remember that parents need to provide hope and guidance for these children.

[Andrea Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource for parents as well as professionals working with these fragile kids.