New book provides tips for parents who have depressed teens

By Staff Writer

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has released an updated version of a book that is designed to help parents understand teenage depression.

The expanded edition of What Families Need to Know About Adolescent Depression is a guide for families who want to know about accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for kids who are suffering from depression. The book reviews the symptoms that are associated with the emotional disorder. It also offers suggestions regarding suicide prevention, healthcare and therapy.

NAMI Executive Director Michael Fitzpatrick said that it is important for parents and problem teens to discuss mental health issues and to treat depression just like any other health risks. The updated edition of What Families Need to Know provides resources that can help facilitate those conversations.

The guide also contains the latest statistics and medical advice regarding teenage depression. For example, since 2009, physicians have been encouraged to perform general depression screenings for children aged 12 to 18.

According to PBS, approximately 4 percent of adolescents develop serious depression each year.