Health Encyclopedia

Depression signs in teenagers

Alternative Names

Teenagers and depression

Information

Serious signs of teenage depression include:

A change in appetite and sleep patterns
Loss of interest or enjoyment in usual activities
Prolonged sadness
Withdrawal from friends
Feelings of worthlessness
Lack of energy
Poor school performance
Difficulty falling asleep

These are all signs that should alert you to a problem that may need professional counseling (especially if the signs persist and the teen doesn't respond to encouragement). See also depression.

Depression increases the risk of suicide attempts. Depressed teens often "self-medicate" by taking illicit drugs or drinking alcohol, with disastrous consequences, including worsening of depression. Having a close family member with a history of depression, alcoholism, or significant drug abuse problem puts a teenager at increased risk of depression.

Review Date:12/18/2006
Reviewed By:Daniel Rauch, MD, FAAP, Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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