What DNA Can Tell Us About Depression in Teenagers

medical 342446 1280Depression in teenagers is treatable, but there is still so much we don’t understand about it. Every nugget of research or new information is important in paving the way towards better and more efficient treatment for those suffering from depression in teenagers. Recently, ATTN: published an article discussing a new way of identifying mental illness–specifically depression–and how it could possibly change the game for treatment.

Depression in teenagers & DNA

If we could understand every bit of our DNA, we would basically know everything about ourselves–but we’re not there yet. For now, we can use our DNA to identify things that are going wrong within our bodies, like breast cancer or more recently depression. There’s a lot of skeptical eyes on this technique because mental illnesses don’t arise solely because of genetic mutations–but genetic mutations do play into the grand scheme of things, they’re a large part of it.
Those who are optimistic about the use of DNA in treating depression in teenagers and adults believe it could be used as a way to guide what drugs and treatments to give patients. They believe that by studying your DNA, they can discover the ways certain drugs will affect your body and brain–and whether that will be helpful to you or not. When receiving treatment for depression in teenagers, it’s trial and error. Rarely does the first medication you’re prescribed work completely. It’s a process of tweaking dosages and medications that can last a long time.
Using the combination of DNA analyzation and current methods could be extremely beneficial in developing more efficient ways to help treat depression in teenagers. Of course, this all requires much more research and evidence before it’s truly trusted–so maybe we’ll be seeing this used in the next decade!
If you believe your child is struggling with depression or other mental health issues, it’s important to seek out a professional for further guidance.

Trails Carolina can help

Trails Carolina is a wilderness therapy program for struggling youth, ages 10-17. Our students commonly deal with issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other behavioral challenges. We use outdoor learning and wilderness therapy to improve the lives of young people.
For more information about how Trails Carolina treats depression in teenagers, please call 800-975-7303 today!
 

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Jeremy Whitworth

As Executive Director at Trails Carolina, a leading wilderness therapy program for youth and teens, I oversee operations and collaborate with our leadership team. Since 2022, I've also hosted the Common Ground Podcast for parents: https://trailscarolina.com/common-ground-podcast/ With a background in Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education, I've managed adventure-based therapeutic programs across the US and Canada. My experiences in competitive athletics and adventure sports have honed my leadership, risk assessment, and decision-making skills, which I apply to running a successful business like Trails Carolina.

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Trails saved my daughter’s life. Amanda is an amazing human and a brilliant therapist. I am so grateful to her, Science Steve, and the other wonderful people who could reach my daughter at a time when I could not.

Margot Lowman August 2022

Great life changing experience for our son. After becoming addicted to gaming during covid he was very depressed. At Trails he experienced the wilderness, Science Steve, learning survival skills and top notch therapy and support etc… I highly recommend! This gave our son and our family a renewed family bond full of love and excitement about his bright future.

Winnifred Wilson July 2022

 

Outstanding clinical work and superb staff! There’s a great culture at this company and it shows with how they engage with families/clients.

Kristin Brace June 2022

 

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