HONOLULU —  Hawaii adults have among the lowest rates for depression in the country, but island young people are ranked among the highest.

A new federal health study shows Hawaii adults suffering relatively little serious psychological distress. But children aged 12 to 17 are the second-highest in the nation for depressive episodes.

State mental health division chief Dr. Thomas Hester says the study by the Department of Health and Human Services is in line with other reports that show Hawaii has a low suicide rate overall, but a high rate for young people.

Mental Health America of Hawaii's director, Marya Grambs, says one factor might be that in Hawaii's strong Asian cultures some adults may hide their problems, while young people tend to express their feelings.