A Description of the Psycho-social Factors associated with Depression and Anxiety in South African Adolescents attending Urban Private Practices in Johannesburg

Abstract

The worldwide prevalence of major depression in adolescents is reported at 4 to 8% and dysthymia at 1.6 to 8%, and the incidence of these disorders continues to rise. There is no prevalence data for anxiety and mood disorders amongst South African teenagers, but the prevalence of anxiety and mood disorders amongst adults is 23% and 10.1% respectively. This study was motivated by these factors, coupled with the association of adolescent psychopathology with negative outcomes in adulthood, such as depression, anxiety, suicide,poor academic and employment outcomes, psychosocial maladjustment and substance abuse. The aim of this study was to determine which psychosocial factors are associated with depression and anxiety in South African adolescents, and to suggest appropriate interventions.