Is Childhood and Teen Depression Different than Adult Depression?
Yes. Depression often looks different in children and teens than it does in adults. In addition to sadness, loss of interest in activities, and withdrawal, children and teens may show intense irritability, anger, unexplained physical symptoms, sleep or appetite changes, or behavioral acting out. Symptoms can also differ between younger children and teens. Younger children may complain of headaches or stomachaches, refuse to go to school, become clingier with a parent, or have sudden severe tantrums or defiant behavior. In teens, depression may appear as social isolation, poor school performance, fatigue, or sudden changes in friendships. Although teens may withdraw from family, they may still spend time with a few close friends. High-risk behaviors, such as substance use or self-harm, can also be important warning signs.
How prevalent is depression in children and teens?
While depression was often seen as an adult problem, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) based on data from 2022-2023, an estimated 4% of children between 3 and 17 years old have been diagnosed with depression (3% of males and 6% of females). If teen years are only taken into consideration, according to the National Institute of Mental Health 20.1% of the U.S. population aged 12-17 have had at least one episode of major depression. Depressive episodes were higher in females (29.2%) compared to males (11.5%).
What to watch for:
- Behavior changes that last persistently for at least two weeks
- Mood changes like sadness, feeling “sluggish,” irritability, anger
- Loss of pleasure in previously enjoyed hobbies and activities
- Insomnia or sleeping too much, chronic lack of energy
- Excessive self-criticism or statements of worthlessness: “I can’t do anything right.”
- Persistent hopeless or helpless attitude
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harm (cutting)
- Dramatic changes in grooming
- Unusually erratic or impulsive behavior
- Appetite changes: weight loss or weight gain
- Preoccupation with song lyrics, books, poetry, or art that suggest that life is meaningless
- Physical, digestive complaints
Teenage blues vs. Depression
A good rule of thumb to determine whether a teen is suffering from typical teenage moodiness or something more is to look at how their moods are affecting daily functioning in school, with friends, and family relationships. If you notice a drop in grades, increased isolation-doesn’t want to hang out with friends, spends most of his/her time in their room away from family, there is a cause for concern. A teen who is sad or moody but not really depressed will still go out with friends or participate in activities. If your child is feeling down most of the day for more than 2 weeks and is withdrawing from social relationships and activities he/she once enjoyed, depression could be to blame.
Risk factors for childhood and teen depression
- Having issues that negatively impact self-esteem, such as obesity, peer problems, long-term bullying or academic problems
- Having been the victim or witness of violence, such as physical or sexual abuse
- Having other mental health conditions such as anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Having a learning disability
- Having certain personality traits such as low self-esteem. Or being overly dependent, self-critical or pessimistic
- Being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender in an unsupportive environment
- Having a parent, grandparent or other blood relative with depression, or other behavioral health or substance use problems
- Having a family member or relative who died by suicide
- Having a family with major communication and relationship problems
- Having experienced recent stressful life events, such as parental divorce, parental military service, death of a loved one, break up of a romantic relationship
Need help?
The Behavioral Wellness Group can help with evidence based individual and family therapy as well as an Intensive Outpatient Program for Adolescents:
www.behavioralwellnessgroup.com/intensive-outpatient-programs/adolescent-iop/
Our practice also has medication management for child and teen depression if needed.
Call us for an Intake Consultation at 440-392-2222 to help determine how we can best help your child/teen and family. their financial sacrifices, even if you have student loans, family are making sacrifices for your future.
Frank R. Ezzo, Ph.D., ABPP, LLC
The Behavioral Wellness Group
8224 Mentor Ave #208 Mentor OH 44060
P: 440 392 2222 #852 F: 440 565 2349
fezzo@behavioralwellnessgroup.com
www.behavioralwellnessgroup.com