Adolescent Depression Linked to Adverse Outcomes in Adulthood

Abstract

Children Behavior Disorder: Adolescents with Depression at Risk of Adverse Psychological Outcomes in Young Adulthood Facts about depression at an early age, as contrary assumed in the previous decades, is an exciting insight provided by (Fergusson & Woodward, 2002). Depression is a medically confirmed mental disorder that adversely affects how one feels, thinks, and acts. One may argue such a disorder is an exception to children and early adolescents that have literally no major issue that should bother their mind to the extent of becoming medically confirmed as depressed. Unfortunately, Fergusson & Woodward (2002), contrary to an era before 1970 when many believed that depression did not occur in young people, confirm that there has been growing awareness of depression in children and adolescents. It is a pity to note that 2% to 8% of young people experience the first episodes of depression and, in this case, major depression at the age of 16. Such insight is essential as it can help analyze the best ways to address depression in children to ensure that such a disorder does not have any impact during their adulthood. Another essential thing discussed by Fergusson & Woodward (2002) is the correlation between early depression in an adolescent with severe depression and anxiety disorder in the later life of the victims. One may wonder why many young adults are drug abusers, achieve poorly in academics, and remain lonely, among other adverse effects that many associates with social influence, especially for high school and college students. However, based on Fergusson & Woodward (2002), most children experience early depression during childhood, which translates to severe depression, among other behavioral disorders during young adulthood. While paying close attention to the longitudinal data used within the reading to examine the extent to which young people with depression during early adolescence are at risk of adverse psychological effects in young adulthood, the results indicated higher rates of such occurrences, confirming the correlation of the two variables. In that regard, it is imperative to remain considerate of young people and eliminate all triggers of early depression. If noted, the need for the right interventions to manage and control it from advancing as the child grows. Another critical point achieved from this reading is that both genders experience the same effect on early depression outcomes. The results of the article's research indicate that out of the thirteen percent of the cohort that developed depression between the ages of 14 and 16, and there are higher chances of developing adverse psychological outcomes during their young adulthood. The result further indicates that the association between early depression and d adverse psychological effects in young adulthood remains similar for both boys and girls within the cohort. What does such a point imply? Suppose a boy or a girl develops depression at an early age. In that case, the chances of becoming a useless person in the future remain very high as they might develop substance abuse disorder and anxiety disorder, among others; thus, the need to address early depression early enough to avoid such eventualities. It is imperative to note that since depressive disorders impair a person's thinking, actions, and judgment, some of these young victims end...