Signs and Symptoms
Adolescence is a time full of changes, making depression difficult to recognize.
Sometimes signs of depression may be mistaken for normal teenage behavior. Only
a healthcare professional can make a diagnosis of major depression.
What are the Symptoms of Depression?
A diagnosis of depression means you have at least 5 of these symptoms most of the
time for at least 2 weeks and that they represent a change in functioning:
- Depressed or irritable mood
- Lack of interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities
- Significant weight loss (when not dieting) or weight gain, or a decrease or increase
in appetite
- Inability to sleep or sleeping too much
- Feeling agitated (not just restless) or sluggish nearly every day
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Inability to concentrate
- Thoughts of death or suicide (not just fear of dying),
or suicide attempts
- If any of these apply
to your teenager, please seek immediate medical attention or call 911.
Note: "Normal" adolescent angst does not qualify as a symptom for depression. These
symptoms have to represent a change from the typical mood.
For a diagnosis of depression, in addition to symptoms being present, they must
lead to significant difficulties in one or more of the following areas in your adolescent's
life:
- Social activities
- School grades
- Family relationships
- Normal social and emotional development
Depression is not the same for everyone. Symptoms can vary greatly from person to
person. The more you know about the signs of depression, the better you may be able
to help. If you believe your adolescent is exhibiting signs of depression, contact
a healthcare professional.
NEXT: TREATMENT