Teen Marijuana Use Worsens Depression: An Analysis of Recent Data Shows 'Self-Medicating' Could Actually Make Things Worse

摘要

Millions of American teens report experiencing weeks of hopelessness and loss of interest in normal daily activities, and many of these depressed teens are making the problem worse by using marijuana and other drugs. Some teens use marijuana to relieve the symptoms of depression (self-medicate), wrongly believing it may alleviate these depressed feelings. In surveys, teens often report using marijuana and other drugs not only to relieve symptoms of depression, but also to feel good, or feel better, to relieve stress, and help them cope. However, recent studies show that marijuana and depression are a dangerous combination. In fact, using marijuana can worsen depression and lead to more serious mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, anxiety, and even suicide. Weekly or more frequent use of marijuana doubles a teens risk of depression and anxiety. Depressed teens are more than twice as likely as their peers to abuse or become dependent on marijuana. Alarmingly, the majority of teens who report feeling depressed arent getting professional help. They have not seen or spoken to a medical doctor or other professional about their feelings. For parents, this means they need to pay closer attention to their teens behavior and mood swings, and recognize that marijuana and other drugs could be playing a dangerous role in their childs life.