Are we in danger of endorsing teen depression?

In my work as a school psychotherapist, I have been alarmed by the increasing number of students coming to me because they are experiencing difficulties in their personal life.

Teenage depression seems to be reaching almost epidemic proportions. A UK study found that the number of adolescents prescribed anti-depressants rose from 6,000 in 1994 to 345,000 in 2003. This is a worrying statistic. But what has brought about this massive surge in the number of teenagers using strong psychotropic medication to ameliorate symptoms of depression and anxiety?

In this country, it is estimated that 450,000 people will suffer from depression at any one time.