About 1 in 5 teenagers have depression at some point. Your teen may be depressed if they are feeling sad, blue, unhappy, or down in the dumps. Depression is a serious problem, even more so if these feelings have taken over their life.
Be Aware of the Risk for Teen Depression
Your teen is more at risk for depression if:
Mood disorders run in your family
They experience a stressful life event like a death in the family, divorcing parents, bullying, a break up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, or failing in school
They have low self-esteem and are very critical of themselves
Your teen is a girl. Teen girls are twice as likely as boys to have depression.
Your teen has trouble being social
Your teen has learning disabilities
Your teen has a chronic illness
There are family problems or problems with their parents
Know the Symptoms of Depression
If your teen is depressed, you may see some of the following common symptoms of depression. If these symptoms last for 2 weeks or longer, talk to your teen’s doctor.
Frequent irritability with sudden bursts of anger
More sensitive to criticism
Complaints of headaches, stomachaches or other body problems. Your teen may go to the nurse’s office at school a lot.
Withdrawal from people like parents or some friends
Not enjoying activities they usually like
Feeling tired for much of the day
Sad or blue feelings most of the time
Notice changes in your teen’s daily routines that can be a sign of depression. Your teen’s daily routines can change when they are depressed. You may notice that your teen has:
Trouble sleeping or is sleeping more than normal
A change in eating habits, such as not being hungry or eating more than usual
A hard time concentrating
Problems making decisions
Notice changes in your teen’s behavior that could be a sign of depression. They could be having problems at home or school.
Drop in school grades, attendance, not doing homework
High-risk behaviors, such as reckless driving, unsafe sex, or shoplifting
Pulling away from family and friends and spends more time alone
If you are worried that your teen is depressed, see a health care provider. The health care provider may perform a physical exam and order blood tests to make sure your teen doesn’t have a medical problem.
The health care provider should talk to your teen about:
Their sadness, irritability, or loss of interest in normal activities
Signs of other mental health problems, such as anxiety, mania, or schizophrenia
Risk of suicide or other violence -- whether your teen is a danger to him or herself or others
The health care provider should ask about drug or alcohol abuse. Depressed teens are at risk for:
Heavy drinking
Regular marijuana (pot) smoking
Other drug use
The health care provider may speak with other family members or your teen’s teachers. These people can often help identify signs of depression in teenagers.
Call your health care provider or a suicide hotline right away if you are worried that your teen is thinking about suicide. Never ignore a suicide threat or attempt.
Call 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-999-9999. You can call 24/7 anywhere in the United States.
Call Your Health Care Provider
If you notice:
Depression is not improving or is getting worse
Nervousness, irritability, moodiness, or sleeplessness that is new or getting worse
Side effects of medications
Identify Your Teen’s Depression Early
Most teenagers feel down sometimes. Having support and good coping skills helps teens through down periods.
Talk with your teen frequently to check in with them. Ask them about their feelings. Talking about depression will not make the situation worse, and may help them to get help sooner.
Get your teen professional help to deal with low moods. Treating depression early may help them feel better sooner, and may prevent or delay future episodes.
References
US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening and treatment for major depressive disorder in children and adolescents: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. Pediatrics. 2009;123:1223-1228.
Zuckerbrot RA, Cheung AH, Jenson PS, Stein REK. Identification, assessment, and initial management guidelines for adolescent depression in primary care. Pediatrics. 2007;120:e1299-e1312.
Cheung AH, Zuckerbrot RA, Jenson PS, Ghalib K. Treatment and ongoing management guidelines for adolescent depression in primary care. Pediatrics. 2007;120:e1313-e1326.
Bostic JQ, Prince JB. Child and adolescent psychiatric disorders. In: Stern TA, Rosenbaum JF, Fava M, Biederman J, Rauch SL, eds. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2008:chap 69.
Antidepressant Medications for Children and Adolescents: Information for Parents and Caregivers. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). January 13, 2010. Accessed March 25, 2012.
Review Date:
10/24/2012
Reviewed By:
David B. Merrill, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, David R. Eltz, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.
