Poor diet and lack of sleep and exercise affect many teens and can trigger the immune system, which can in turn affect the balance of chemicals in the brain, which researchers think may be linked to depression.
Teenage Depression and the Immune System
Poor diet and lack of sleep and exercise can affect brain chemicals, says Dr. Vilma Gabbay
Clinical Expert: Vilma Gabbay, MD
en EspañolPoor diet and lack of sleep and exercise can affect the balance of chemicals in the brain, which researchers think may be linked to depression. Dr. Vilma Gabbay of Mount Sinai Medical Center talks about how the stresses of adolescence may contribute to the high incidence of depression in that age group.
Related: What Are the Symptoms of Depression in Teenagers?
Parenting a Depressed Teenager
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This article was last reviewed or updated on July 31, 2025.
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