According to Government statistics, nearly one in ten American teenagers experienced major depression last year. The results also show that depressed youths are more likely to smoke, drink alcohol or abuse drugs.

The survey showed that fewer than half received treatment for depression.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration says the survey reveals 9 percent of teens were depressed and older teens are more at risk.

About 12 percent of youth aged 16 or 17 faced severe depression in 2004, compared with about 5 percent of those 12 or 13 years old. Among those age 14 or 15, 9 percent experienced a major episode.

About 28 percent of depressed teens used alcohol, while nearly 23 percent smoked cigarettes and another roughly 21 percent used drugs.

"These new data serve as a wake-up call to parents. Mental health is a critical part of the overall health and well-being of their children," says The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration administrator Charles Curie.