It is common for teens to occasionally feel unhappy.
However, when the unhappiness lasts for more than two weeks, and the teens experiences other symptoms of clinical depression, then he or she may be suffering from adolescent depression.
It is estimated that depression affects as
many as one in every 33 children and one
in eight adolescents.
If you believe your teenager is suffering
from depression, you should seek help
from a qualified health care professional.
How Is Depression Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of depression often begins
with a physical exam by a doctor. Because
certain viruses, medicines, and illnesses
can also cause symptoms of depression,
your doctor will want to know when your
symptoms started, how long they have
lasted, and how severe they are. He or she
will ask whether you have had similar
symptoms of depression before and about
past treatments you may have received.
Your family history of depression and
other mental illnesses is very important,
as is any history of drug or alcohol use.
Although there is no “depression test” that
a mental health expert can use to diagnose
symptoms of depression, there are certain
features, which he or she will look for in
order to make the proper diagnosis of
depression.
