18% teens depressed, reveals a new study

PARENTS SHOULD NOT IGNORE IF A CHILD IS HYPERACTIVE, AGGRESSIVE AND AVOIDED GOING TO SCHOOL

KANPUR: Depression among teenagers is increasing at an alarming rate. This fact was revealed in a recent medical study conducted on students up to class 12 in which 18% students were found suffering from depression.

The study was conducted by the members of the Indian Psychiatric Society during the past two years among children between the age group of eight to twelve years and 12 to 17 years. Giving details about the report, Dr Mohan Dhyani, an associate professor at Guru Ramrai Medical College, Dehradun said 18% students studying in different classes were found suffering from depression syndrome.

Speaking at the 39th annual convention of the Indian Psychiatric Society of Central Zone at CSJMU auditorium, Dr Dhyani said that besides hereditary factors, internet and mobile addiction were the chief causes behind this alarming trend.

He said parents should not ignore if a child is hyperactive, aggressive and avoided going to school as these were the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyper Psychiatric and such kids needed professional help of psychiatrics and counselors. The report revealed that symptoms of depression first develop among children between the age group of five to six years and it increased rapidly if left untreated. Children with depression syndromes could be treated through the psycho-therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy and inter-personal therapy, Dr Dhyani said.

Several other psychologists including Dr Alimuddin, Dr Sazia Siddiqui of Lucknow, Dr Gautam Shah (Kolkata) and Dr Bhragesh Vaishnav (Ahmedabad) suggested that parents should have close interaction with the children and should leave them in isolation. Besides, they should maintain a close watch over changes in the behaviour of their child.