Teenage girls are more likely to have recurring depression than teenage boys

Treating teenage depression seems to be fairly effective, at first, but nearly 50 percent of those suffering from depression eventually become depressed again. A group of Duke University researchers explains this theory and adds that female patients are more likely to become depressed again.

Nearly 6 percent of teenage girls and about 4.5 percent of teenage males suffer from some form of major depression. This depression may cause risks of suicide and adult depression.

For the study, 86 males and 110 females were analyzed based on their participation in the Treatment for Adolescents with Depression Study. Randomly selected, patients received one short-term treatment. The treatments included Prozac, CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), combination of Prozac and CBT, and a placebo.

Researchers analyzed patients for upwards of five years.

More than 88 percent of patients were depression-free after just two years, and more than 96 percent were recovered after five years. However, 46.6 percent experienced some depression again.

Researchers explain that no therapy selected for this study appeared to reduce the chances of recurrence. Also, patients who did not respond to short-term treatment were more likely to have a recurrence, and females were more likely than males to have a recurrence as well.

Nearly 62 percent of patients suffering from anxiety had recurring depression as well, and those suffering from depression recurrence had more suicidal thoughts.

Researchers suggest gender to be the greatest factor of recurring depression, and explain the importance of understanding the underlying causes.