Adolescent depression aetiology: a systematic review

Background: Evidence suggests that depression in adolescents have increased over the last decade, so much so, at its current rate it will be an epidemic in young people. Therefore the aim of this paper is to explore the multifaceted aetiology of depression by examining its biological, environmental, sociological and psychological factors, in order to address and tackle this public health issue now and into the future. \ud Methods: A review of the literature was undertaken between the years 2010-2015 to identify key themes and priority areas of development. \ud Results: Adolescence signals the beginning of a transformative phase for young people, in which physical, emotional, social and intellectual development occurs in preparation for adulthood. Therefore the exposure to a range of environmental and sociological factors, in addition to pre-existing biological and cognitive vulnerabilities may considerably increase the risk of adolescents developing depression, which is most significant in adolescent girls. \ud Conclusion: This review identifies distinctive male and female trajectories during adolescence, particularly in relation to brain development. Therefore further research is required within this area in order to educate young people, parents/carers and professionals working within universal services on the complexity of this subject in order to promote the early identification of depression in adolescents