Conditions with symptoms similar to depression in children and teens

Certain medical or mental disorders can produce symptoms similar to depression. Before depression is diagnosed, it may be necessary to rule out other causes of the symptoms that your child or teen may be experiencing. These other disorders may be present along with depression. Examples of other conditions that can cause similar symptoms are:^{1, 2}

• Dysthymic disorder, which has fewer symptoms and may be less severe than major depression but lasts longer.
• Substance abuse or dependency, which also can increase the risk of suicide in a child or teen.
• Anxiety disorders.
• Conduct disorder.
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• Bipolar disorder, which consists of alternating episodes of depression and mania (irritability or elevated mood).
• Eating disorders.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Hypothyroidism.
• Anemia.
• Schizophrenia.

Citations

1. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (1998). Practice parameters for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with depressive disorders. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 37(10): 63S–83S.

2. Jellinke MS, Snyder JB (1998). Depression and suicide in children and adolescents. Pediatrics in Review, 19(8): 255–264.