Nearly half of the teenagers who had major depression said it severely impaired their ability to function in at least one of the areas on the disability scale.

They were also asked to rate how depression affected them using the Sheehan Disability Scale, which measures impact on family, friends, chores at home, work and school.

Outcomes were assessed using Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index, patient satisfaction, return to military duty, and need for additional surgery.