Depression and substance abuse in the teen years

Learn about: Depression and substance abuse in the teen years from David Fassler, MD,...
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Depression and substance abuse in the teen years

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Particularly in the teenage years, we find that there is a significant in substance abuse when a child is coping with depression; particularly with some of these kids that are trying to self-medicate to hide the feelings of depression. If they use alcohol or other drugs, maybe they don't feel as depressed for a short period of time. These kids are difficult to treat because it's hard to distinguish what is depression and what may be an early substance abuse problem; which is why it is even more important to get to a mental healthcare professional to help you sort out and get an accurate diagnosis, to make sure the child gets the help they really need.

Learn about: Depression and substance abuse in the teen years from David Fassler, MD,...

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David Fassler, MD

Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist

David Fassler, MD, is a child and adolescent psychiatrist practicing in Burlington, Vermont. A graduate of Yale University School of Medicine, he completed his training in adult psychiatry at the University of Vermont, and in child psychiatry at Cambridge Hospital, Harvard Medical School. He currently serves as clinical director of Otter Creek Associates, a multidisciplinary practice providing comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment services. Dr. Fassler is also a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Vermont, and the Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at the Vermont Center for Children, Youth and Families.

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Transcription: 
Particularly in the teenage years, we find that there is a significant in substance abuse when a child is coping with depression; particularly with some of these kids that are trying to self-medicate to hide the feelings of depression. If they use alcohol or other drugs, maybe they don't feel as depressed for a short period of time. These kids are difficult to treat because it's hard to distinguish what is depression and what may be an early substance abuse problem; which is why it is even more important to get to a mental healthcare professional to help you sort out and get an accurate diagnosis, to make sure the child gets the help they really need.