Adults are increasingly concerned about the rising rate of depression in teenage girls and the frequency of alarming behaviors including wild conduct, explosive outbursts, back talking, sexual escapades, drug experimentation, and even cutting, eating disorders, and suicide attempts. The Disappearing Girl, the first book on depression in teenage girls, helps parents understand:

Why silence reflects a girl's desperate wish for inclusion, not isolation

Subtle differences between teen angst and problem behavior

Vulnerabilities in dating, friendships, school, and families

How, if untreated, girls will carry feelings of helplessness, anger, and depression into adulthood

Dr. Machoian also offers conversation topics to help girls navigate mixed messages, develop their identity, make healthy decisions, and build resilience that will empower them throughout life, as well as helping parents manage their own frustration.

"This is a hopeful bookfor parents, teachers, therapists, and also for girls."

Carol Gilligan, author of In a Different Voice

"This insightful and important book is a must read for all those relating to girls."

Rachel Simmons, author of Odd Girl Out

Featuring dozens of real-life stories, this book will show parents what to look for if their daughters aren't thriving, how to better listen and respond, and how to manage their own feelings of helplessness.

Media, peers, and even parents send teen girls dangerously conflicting messages about what it means to look and act just right, to be good, hip, attractive, and desired. Frighteningly, everyday events can start a teen on a downward spiral. The growing rate of depression in teens is alarming, and parents must understand the difference between normal adolescent angst and trouble:

- Why silence reflects a girl's desperate wish for inclusion, not isolation

- Recognizing signals in problem behavior

- Vulnerabilities in dating, friendships, school, and family

Dr. Machoian also offers guidance for:

- Parents--conversation topics to help girls navigate mixed messages, develop their identity, make healthy decisions, and build resilience that will empower them throughout life.

- Daughters--activities, including the Emotional First-Aid Kit, that girls can use to de-stress and build character.

Featuring dozens of real-life stories, this book will show parents what to look for if their daughters aren't thriving, how to better listen and respond, and how to manage their own feelings of helplessness.

DR. LISA MACHOIAN, a child and adolescent psychologist, was on the faculty at Harvard University Graduate School of Education and also directed the Gender Studies Program.