Symptoms and Signs of Depression in Children and Adolescents

Depression in children and teens is not rare. However, because normal behaviors vary from one childhood stage to another, it can be difficult to tell whether a child is just going through a temporary phase or is suffering from depression. Here is a list of symptoms and signs to help identify when a child is suffering from depression.

Symptoms of Depression Common to Children, Adolescents, and Adults

Common symptoms include:

• Depressed mood
• Unexplained anger or irritability
• Increased worrying
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Significant change in appetite or body weight
• Early morning awakening
• Changes in sleep patterns, includes too little or too much sleep
• Psychomotor disturbance or delay
• Difficulty concentrating
• Loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
• Alcohol or substance abuse
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

Signs of Depression That May Be Present in Children and Adolescents

• Frequent vague, nonspecific physical complaints such as headaches, muscle aches, stomach aches, or tiredness
• Not wanting to go to school, which can lead to frequent absences and poor performance
• Pretending to be sick
• Outbursts of shouting, complaining, or crying
• Boredom
• Difficulty with relationships, including social isolation or poor communication
• Alcohol or substance abuse
• Clinging to parent
• Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure
• Reckless behavior
• Fear of death

Note: Not every depressed child will experience every symptom. The severity of symptoms will vary from child to child. Depression can be serious, but it is treatable. If your child is showing any of these signs and symptoms, talk with your child's doctor.

Revision Information

• Reviewer: Michael Woods, MD
• Review Date: 01/2017
• Update Date: 01/16/2015