The tasks of coping with the physical changes of puberty, of separating from the family and becoming independent, of developing intimate relationships with others, especially persons of the opposite sex, and of discovering one’s capacities or talents for work may all lead the adolescent into an unhappy, sad, demoralized state of mind, as the unknown is faced. For most adolescents, such maturational tasks are achieved with minimal stress, a small number experience a persistent mood of sadness, hopelessness and apathy, which interferes with performance and can lead to considerable personal suffering. Such adolescents may complain directly of depression, or more commonly of lack of feelings, emptiness, self-depreciation, loneliness and hopelessness that things will ever be better. There may be a point at which suicidal thoughts arise in these cases. It is likely there is a history of behavioral problems, difficulties in school, episodes of anxiety and tenuous family relationships. (p.114)
Parry-Jones, W.L. (1989) ‘Depression in Adolescence’. In K. Herbst and E.S. Paykel (eds) Depression: An Integrated Approach. Oxford: Heinemann Professional Publishing.
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