Teenage Depression and Acupuncture

Depression is very common in teenagers and should be taken seriously. At this time of change, depression can easily increase and develop into violent behaviour, drug dependency and even suicide. In this article we discuss how depression in the teenage years can be helped by acupuncture treatment. We are not suggesting that all teenage problems can be resolved this way; humans are far too complex for that. But frequently there is an energetic imbalance contributing to depression, and if that can be improved, then the teenager may be able to sort out their own problems without much further help. Long and costly visits to therapists can often be avoided. Three main patterns of teenage depression are described, with both their physical and emotional manifestations, and treatment principles and suggestions given. A typical case history illustrates approaches to treatment and likely outcomes.