Signs and Symptoms of Adolescent Depression
Adolescent depression is often underdiagnosed and undertreated because normal behaviors vary from one childhood stage to the next. Thus, it is difficult to recognize when a child is in a stage, or if they are suffering from depression. A key sign that a child may be suffering from depression is if the symptoms are consistent for more than two weeks.
Adolescent depression presents with some different signs and symptoms than adult depression. These signs may be social or behavioral, which may be more easily recognized by counselors or psychiatrists, or they may be physical, which may be recognized by nurses or physicians. It is important for parents, teachers, instructors, and coaches to also be aware of these symptoms to be able to know when to seek help. Since more often than not the child will not ask for help, or be able to recognize that something is wrong, it is the duty of an adult to speak up for them.
Adolescent depression presents with some different signs and symptoms than adult depression. These signs may be social or behavioral, which may be more easily recognized by counselors or psychiatrists, or they may be physical, which may be recognized by nurses or physicians. It is important for parents, teachers, instructors, and coaches to also be aware of these symptoms to be able to know when to seek help. Since more often than not the child will not ask for help, or be able to recognize that something is wrong, it is the duty of an adult to speak up for them.
Behavioral and Social Symptoms:
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Physical Symptoms:
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The Center for Epidemiological Studies has developed a depression scale for children that can by used as a tool for professionals.
It can also be accessed at: http://www.brightfutures.org/mentalhealth/pdf/professionals/bridges/ces_dc.pdf
Videos on how to recognize depression symptoms.
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