Teenage depression can present differently than adult depression, with symptoms such as irritability, withdrawal from activities, and changes in sleep and eating habits. Treatment for adolescent depression should be closely monitored, as they are at a higher risk for suicidal tendencies when taking antidepressants. Parents should look for a combination of symptoms before seeking a depression assessment.
Teenage depression can have very different signs than adult depression and parents should be aware of the main symptoms of this condition. However, a symptom alone does not indicate a depressive illness. Instead, parents and other caregivers should look for different pictures of the puzzle that may fit together and suggest depression. Generally the only symptom that alone may be an indication of this condition is if an adolescent expresses suicidal tendencies or states that they want to die; this should be taken very seriously and these kids should get help right away from a psychiatrist or therapist.
One of the major differences between adolescent depression and depression in adults is that adolescents may actually spend more time with peer groups. Adults have a tendency to withdraw from friendships, but adolescents may rely on their friendships because adults cannot “possibly understand” their depth of pain and discomfort. So one thing to look out for is a desire to avoid adults while still being close to peers.
Teens withdraw from some activities. They might give up a favorite sport, stop playing an instrument, or give up joining various clubs. Their reasons may not be particularly cohesive, but they may be expressing a lack of interest in an activity they once enjoyed.
Another indicator is sleep disturbance. Teenagers may not sleep well late into the night and may sleep most of the day. Depression in adults is more commonly associated with insomnia than adolescent depression.
In many adolescents, the biggest symptoms of depression manifest as irritability or anger, instead of crying or sadness. Teens might argue more with their parents, say more rude things, or just seem angry and ready to fight at a moment’s notice. Other potential indicators of depression are deficient or changed eating habits, unexplained physical symptoms such as frequent headaches, drug and alcohol abuse, and poor academic performance.
A key difference between adolescent depression and adult depressive illness is that treatment may need to be observed more carefully. Teens and young adults are at a much greater risk of developing suicidal tendencies when taking most antidepressants. Virtually all of the common ones now have specific warnings for teen and young adult users recommending watching for signs of increased irritation or suicidal thoughts.
While these symptoms can develop soon after starting a drug regimen, they can develop later. This means that regular counseling and regular medication supervision are extremely important. It is also very helpful for adults to work with a therapist while receiving pharmacological support, but older adults are less likely to develop these symptoms from taking antidepressants, although all depression carries a risk of suicide.
It is very important for parents not to get too concerned if they see a single sign that could indicate teenage depression. For example, quitting sports or changing sleeping habits does not mean that a teenager or young adult is deeply depressed. Teens may go through many changes, many of them hormonal, as they continue to develop, and parents can expect to observe them. However, when parents or caregivers notice a constellation of symptoms starting to emerge, it’s a good idea to get a depression assessment to determine if treatment is needed.
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