Teen Treatment Statistics

In general, about 5% of teens have a mood disorder. Mood disorders are those that affect a person’s moods and emotions. They include depression, bipolar disorder, and other lesser known illnesses such as dysthymia. Traditionally mood disorders are mostly seen in adulthood. However, they can begin to reveal themselves in adolescence. This is particularly true because of the changes that are taking place in the teen brain along with the rush of hormones that adolescents experience. Recent studies have found that as many as 15%-18% of teens have experienced a mood episode by age 18.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common teen anxiety disorder. It’s a diagnosis given to those teens who experience excessive and irrational worry for at least six months. Other forms of anxiety disorders among teens include Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Panic Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Phobias. Research indicates that one in eight children are affected by anxiety disorders, and according to the National Institute on Mental Health, approximately 25.1% of teens between the ages of 13 to 18 years old experience an anxiety disorder.

It should be noted that both types of disorders mentioned above (anxiety disorders and mood disorders, including depression) are treatable! Yet, according to the 2015 Child Mind Institute Children’s Mental Health Report, 80% of teens with a diagnosable anxiety disorder and 60% of teens with diagnosable depression don’t get treatment. Research indicates that some teens are more at risk for anxiety and depression, such as:

• Female teens (females tend to develop depression twice as often than males)
• Abused and neglected teens.
• Adolescents who suffer from chronic illness and other physical conditions.
• Teens who have a family history of depression or mental illness.
• Teen with untreated mental illness or addictions to alcohol or drugs.
• Those with a history of trauma or other major life event such as a divorce in the family.

There is a significant relationship between teen addiction and mental illness. However, even teens who do not have do not have a mental illness can develop an addiction. In fact, one concern that most parents and mental health providers have is that teens may use, abuse, and become addicted to alcohol or drugs. Fortunately, the 2014 Monitoring the Future Survey found a decrease in the use of alcohol, cigarettes, and prescription pain relievers among high school students. The survey also found a decrease in the use of inhalants and synthetic drugs, and a general decline in the use of illicit drugs. Still, there is concern about marijuana use among teens and the increased use of e-cigarettes. Treatment of addiction for teens may include residential treatment, 12-step groups, and types of behavioral therapy.