One in five underage Poles shows depressive symptoms: study

From four to eight percent of people aged to 18 suffer from clinical depression and require specialist treatment and support, the research revealed.

The findings of the study were released at a press conference following a debate on teenage depression held on Tuesday.

The research also found that around 20-25 percent need psychological counselling due to stress and the inability to cope with problems at home or at school, the head of the institute, Professor Janusz Heitzman said.

Unlike adults, teenagers may not necessarily show signs of prolonged sadness as a symptom of depression. More often they may feel alienated or become aggressive, Heitzman said.

“If the symptoms of depression are not taken seriously or chalked up to teenage rebellion, they may lead to self-harm or starving oneself, and if these behaviours are left unnoticed they may lead to a suicide attempt,” Heitzman added.

The institute found that in 2016, medical facilities in Poland recorded 481 suicide attempts by teenagers and 161 suicide deaths.

Heitzman added, however, that the statistics fail to provide the full picture of the problem as for every suicide there are 20 suicide attempts. (aba/pk)

Source: PAP, IAR