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The behavior of depressed teenagers may differ from the behavior of depressed adults. Child and adolescent psychiatrists advise parents to be aware of signs of depression in their teenagers. If one or more of the following signs of depression persist, parents should seek help from the school guidance counselor, a social worker, your family doctor or a psychiatrist:
1. frequent feelings of hopelessness, sadness, tearfulness, crying
2. decreased interest in activities or inability to enjoy previously favorite activities
3. persistent boredom, low energy
4. social isolation, for example, a teenager who used to spend lots of time with friends may now spend most of the time alone and without interests
5. low self-esteem, shame and guilt
6. major changes in appetite
7. major changes in sleep patterns
8. extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure
9. angry outbursts, hostility and touchiness
10. irrational, bizarre behavior
11. frequent complaints of physical illnesses such as headaches and stomach aches
12. frequent absences from school or poor performance in school
13. poor concentration
14. perfectionism and an over-enthusiastic drive to succeed
15. giving away belongings
16. obsessive fear of world destruction
17. talk of or efforts to run away from home
18. thoughts or expressions of suicide or self-destructive behavior.
Depressed adolescents may abuse alcohol or other drugs as a way to feel better. Girls may become promiscuous to distract themselves from underlying depression. Getting pregnant can be a way of filling the emptiness and loneliness that a depressed girl feels. Teenagers who cause trouble at home or at school may actually be depressed but not know it. Because the teenager may not always seem sad, parents and teachers may not realize that the troublesome behavior is a sign of depression. When asked directly, these teenagers can sometimes state they are unhappy or sad.
Early diagnosis and medical treatment are essential for depressed teenagers because this is a real illness that requires professional help. Comprehensive treatment often includes both individual and family therapy. It may also include the use of antidepressant medication.