What Is Depression?
Depression is a clinically recognized mood disorder marked by persistent sadness, reduced concentration, sleep disturbances, guilt, or feelings of worthlessness. In youth, it often manifests through physical complaints and behavioral changes (Mayo Clinic, 2022; CDC, 2025).
Signs of Depression in Children & Teens
| Age Group | Common Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Children | Loss of appetite, weight changes, lack of interest in play, low confidence |
| Teens | Neglecting personal care or family, school avoidance, decreased interest in activities, changes in eating or sleep (CDC, 2025; Mayo Clinic, 2022) |
Causes & Risk Factors
Possible triggers include life changes (e.g., moving, new school), loss of a loved one, chronic illness in the family, or hormonal changes. Biological predispositions and environmental stressors also increase risk (AAFP, 2019; CDC, 2025).
Treatment Options
Evidence-based treatments for children and adolescents include:
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Psychotherapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy (APA, 2019; AAFP, 2019)
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Medications, such as fluoxetine or escitalopram, often combined with therapy (AAFP, 2019)
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Ongoing support from parents, healthcare providers, and school systems (CDC, 2025)
Early recognition and intervention can significantly improve outcomes.
Learn More:
References
American Academy of Family Physicians. (2019). Depression in children and adolescents: Evaluation and treatment. American Family Physician, 100(10), 609–619.
American Psychological Association. (2019). Clinical practice guideline for the treatment of depression across three age cohorts. https://www.apa.org/depression-guideline/children-and-adolescents
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Anxiety and depression in children. https://www.cdc.gov/children-mental-health/about/about-anxiety-and-depression-in-children.html
Mayo Clinic. (2022). Teen depression symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/teen-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20350985
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