Signs of Teen Depression

Common symptoms include:

• Frequent sadness or crying – possibly demonstrated by wearing dark clothing, writing poems or journal entries with morbid themes, or listening to music with dark themes

• Hopelessness – pessimism about the future, failure to maintain basic hygiene, giving up at school

• Less interest in previously enjoyable activities – dropping out of school, sports, clubs, or other activities

• Boredom or apathy – skipping school, low motivation, lack of energy

• Isolation from friends or family – avoiding social gatherings, spending excessive time alone, refusing to talk about issues, difficulty maintaining friendships

• Low self-esteem – feeling guilty, rejected, or insufficient, extreme feelings of unworthiness

• Irritability or anger – lashing out at family members, acting sarcastic or critical, rejecting the efforts of others

• Frequent complaints of physical illness, such as headaches and stomachaches

• Academic underachievement – poor grades, skipping school, dropping out, difficulty concentrating on schoolwork

• Change in eating or sleeping patterns – sleeping all day, staying up all night watching television, gaining or losing weight

• Running away from home

• Self-destructive behavior or comments about suicide – statements of intent to commit suicide, preoccupation with death, drug or alcohol abuse, self-injury or cutting

Not Enough Teens Getting Depression Treatment

Depression can be prevented and treated – the earlier, the better. Yet despite evidence that both cognitive-behavioral therapy and antidepressants help, very few adolescents receive any kind of treatment. A report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), suggests that nearly one in 10 American adolescents have experienced at least one bout of major depression in the past year, but only about 39 percent received treatment.

One possible explanation is that teens are worried about the stigma attached to seeking treatment for depression. In a study appearing in the journal Medical Care of 368 teens, half of whom had been diagnosed with depression, the most commonly reported barriers to depression treatment were worries about stigma and the reactions of their family members.

"With teenagers, treatment decisions greatly involve other parties, especially parents. For instance, teenagers often rely on adults for transportation. Doctors need a sense not just of what the teen thinks or what the parents thinks, but what both think," study lead author Lisa Meredith said in a news release.

Left untreated, depressed teens are more likely to have social and academic problems, engage in early sex with a higher risk of teen pregnancy, abuse drugs or alcohol, and commit suicide.