11 Signs a Young Patient Is Depressed
A brief synopsis on how to spot major depression in youth.
Look for these signs to spot symptoms of depression in your young patient.
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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.