Monday, March 30, 2009

In studies: sad teens

Lots of teens go  through sad times. Personally, as a teen, I was a humanoid creature carved from a pure depression-aloy, so I know what I'm talking about. A new study (conducted by out of work psychiatrists, I presume), suggests teens should be periodically tested for depression, by a psychiatrist who may or may not be short on cash at the moment:

It's a change from the group's 2002 report concluding there wasn't enough evidence to support or oppose screening for teens. The task force, though, says there's still insufficient proof about the benefits and harms of screening children 7 to 11 years old.

Depression strikes about 1 out of 20 teens, and it's been linked to lower grades, more physical illness and drug use, as well as early pregnancy. 

If you know any sad teens, get them tested. Also, the Smashing Pumpkins helps.

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