11 Signs a Young Patient Is Depressed

January 16, 2020

A brief synopsis on how to spot major depression in youth.

Look for these signs to spot symptoms of depression in your young patient.

Appears sad, tearful, or irritable

No longer enjoys doing things as much as before

Spends less time with friends

Stops participating in after school activities

Has changes in appetite

Sleeps more than usual; sleeps less than usual

Has less energy and complains of being tired

Blames him- herself for everything that goes wrong

Has trouble concentrating

Has a drop in academic performance

Thinks about suicide or wanting to die

Source: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Facts for Families: Depression in Children and Teens. https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/The-Depressed-Child-004.aspx. Accessed December 16, 2016.