Many Irish teenagers are unable to identify signs of depression in others and just 10% are able to identify suicidal thoughts, a new study has found.

The study by psychologists at Trinity College Dublin involved 187 teenagers aged between 15 and 19 years.

It found that when shown hypothetical case studies, only half of the participants could correctly identify depression, while just 10% could identify suicidal ideation.

The study also found that many teenagers could not identify appropriate treatment for any friends who may be suffering with depression, with some failing to recognise the importance of adult help. In fact, one in three said they would only involve other friends if one of their friends was depressed.

The researchers pointed out that while depressed teenagers may prefer seeking help from friends rather than a professional, these findings suggest that many of their peers will simply not recognise that they are depressed in the first place.

"While the majority of adolescents in our study showed great concern for a friend experiencing distress, their specific knowledge of the characteristics of mental disorders and potential suicidality was lacking. The identification of depression is considered an important component of mental health literacy, and is critical in helping an individual to access appropriate help," commented one of the researchers, Sadhbh Byrne.

She pointed out that at any given time, around 20% of young people display symptoms of mental health problems.

"Depression is the most concerning, given the strong link with suicide. Ireland has the fourth highest rate of suicide in Europe among 15 to 24 year olds. Our research points to the need to educate young people about the need to seek adult help for a friend experiencing emotional distress," Ms Byrne said.

Meanwhile, the study also found that overall, girls were more able than boys to name multiple ways that they would help a friend who is depressed.

Details of these findings are published in the Journal of Adolescent Research.

For more information on depression, see our Depression Clinic here