Common Risk Factors Associated with Adolescent and Young Adult Depression

Depression is one of the leading causes of disability for all ages and genders in the United States. Historically, depression had been viewed as a condition that only affected older adults; however, in recent years health professionals have recognized depression as a serious condition also affecting adolescence and young adults. The purpose of this study was to identify whether gender was a risk factor of depression within the adolescent and young adult population as literature shows that depression can impact growth and development, school performance, peer or family relationship and at times can be fatal. Data from the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was studied to gain understanding into the predictive relationship between adolescent depression and gender. The hypothesis that gender is a predictive factor for depression in this population was supported.