More than 3 million Thai youths at risk of developing depression

BANGKOK, Dec 24 (TNA) – As many as 3 million Thai youths run the risk of being afflicted with depression and as of the present, according to the Department of Mental Health. Sqn.Ldr. Dr. Boonruang Triruangworawat, the director of the Department of Mental Health revealed that a recent survey of youths between the ages of 10 - 19 years indicated that 44% - 3 million out of 8 million; run the risk of suffering from depression. What is very worrying is that on average 18% fall into depression. The department estimates that there are currently more than 1 million youths with depression as the symptoms vary significantly from depression in adults. Violent, self-destructive, aggressive behavior and violent mood swings are some of the differentiating factors that could lead to self-isolation and fear of society. Most parents and teachers misinterpret this as delinquent behavior, which results in most not receiving help and eventually sinking into truancy, drug use, assault or in worse cases suicide. As a result of the disturbing revelation, the Department of Mental Health will expedite efforts to solve the problem and has tasked the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Rajanagarindra Institute to coordinate with the Royal College of Pediatricians of Thailand and the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Society of Thailand to look into the matter and come up with a practical model for hospitals across the country to put into practice. The model is currently being in the trial run and all details should be completed prior to its introduction in January of next year. (TNA)