Teens and Depression

Recognizing Teen Depression

It is common for adolescents to occasionally feel unhappy. However, when the unhappiness lasts for more than two weeks and the teen experiences other symptoms typical of depression, then he or she may be suffering from adolescent depression.

It is estimated that depression affects as many as one in every 33 children and one in eight adolescents.

There are many reasons why teenagers become unhappy. High stress environments can lead to depression. Teens can develop feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy over school performance, social interaction, sexual orientation or family life. If friends or family, or things that the teen usually enjoys, don't help to improve his or her sadness or sense of isolation, there's a good chance that he or she is depressed.

Depression also tends to be more common in adolescents who have a history of depression in their families.

If you believe your teenager is suffering from depression, you should seek help from a qualified healthcare professional.

What Are the Symptoms of Teen Depression?

Often, depressed teens will display a striking change in their thinking and behavior, lose their motivation, or become withdrawn. The following are the major signs of depression in adolescents.

• Sadness, anxiety, or a feeling of hopelessness.
• Loss of interest in food or compulsive overeating that results in rapid weight loss or gain.
• Staying awake at night and sleeping during the day.
• Withdrawal from friends.
• Rebellious behavior, sudden drop in grades or cutting school.
• Complaints of pains including headaches, stomachaches, low back pain or fatigue.
• Use of alcohol or drugs and promiscuous sexual activity.
• A preoccupation with death and dying.

How Is Depression Diagnosed in Adolescents?

There aren't any specific medical tests that can be performed to detect depression. Health care professionals determine if an adolescent is depressed using  clinical diagnostic interviews and psychological tests with the individual and his or her family members, teachers, and peers. The severity of depression and the risk of suicide are determined based on the assessment of these interviews. Treatment recommendations are also made based on the data collected from the interviews.

Treating Depression

There are a variety of methods used to treat depression. Your mental health care provider will determine the best course of treatment for your teen.

The FDA warns that antidepressant medications may increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and other psychiatric disorders. If you have questions or concerns, discuss them with your health care provider. Learn more.