More Than Moody: Recognizing and Treating Adolescent Depression

Koplewicz, a prominent child psychiatrist and founder-director of the NYU Child Study Center, begins his careful analysis of teen depression with a number of alarming statistics. One in five teenagers reports a major depressive episode for which he or she did not receive treatment, and 20-40% of teens with major depressive disorder (MDD) develop bipolar disorder within five years. Depression, says Koplewicz (It's Nobody's Fault), often starts ""silently and slowly,"" and it can be difficult for parents to determine what's a psychiatric disorder and what's typical adolescent moodiness. With case studies drawn from his experience as a clinician and a solemn, meticulous exploration of the ""arc of depression""; life events that can trigger it; the relationship between mood disorders and gender and sexuality; as well as treatments that provide relief and other pertinent topics, Koplewicz's important volume offers parents both a better understanding of adolescent psychological struggles and a practical guide to finding appropriate healing measures.