Depression in Adolescents

Certain signs may indicate adolescents may be suffering from depression.
On the front of its Personal Journal section, the Wall Street Journal (6/29, D1, Bernstein) discusses signs parents should look for in teenagers who may be suffering from depression. While experts caution that parents should not diagnose depression in their children themselves, they should consult with a mental health professional should their child demonstrate four of more signs of certain behaviors over the course of two weeks or longer. Parents should look for signs of sleep impairment or disturbance, diminished interest in pleasurable activities, feelings of worthlessness, diminished energy and concentration, marked changes in appetite, obvious psychomotor disturbances, and suicidality.