Depression Can Lead to More Bullying

You can now add another negative side-effect of teen depression to the ever-growing list of behaviors and diseases this disorder provokes. Experts have just learned that depressed teenagers are more likely to be subjected to bullying at school.

What I find particularly interesting is that psychologists used to think that bullying is what caused depression in the first place. The new study doesn't really support that hypothesis, showing no evidence to suggest that peer relationships forecasted depression,” the ASU team explains.

The group started by analyzing fourth-graders for a prolonged period of time. Those who were depressed when the study began were more likely to be victimized by their peers one year later, and to have a harder time being accepted into groups by age 6.

This was found to be especially true in girls, suggesting that parents should pay closer attention to what their kids are going through. “Teachers, administrators and parents need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of depression and the possibility that depression is a risk factor for problematic peer relations,” the group concludes.