(Kristin Krarup-Joyce is a school psychologist with the Chelsea School District. Address questions to [email protected]. All questions are confidential. )
Q: What are some common signs of depression?
A: Depression is one of the most common yet underidentified mental health problems of childhood and adolescence. Left unidentified and untreated, depression can have pervasive and long-term effects on social, personal, and academic performance.
Depression is not easily recognized or may be mistaken as another problem, such as lack of motivation. Although severe depression might be displayed in symptoms such as suicide attempts, severe withdrawal, or emotional swings, the vast majority of cases are much milder and do not attract attention from adults. Moreover, children and adolescents are not as likely as adults to refer themselves for mental health problems.
Characteristics
Children and adolescents can demonstrate depression in cognitive, behavioral, and physiological behaviors or patterns. Although not all children will show all signs, or the signs may vary in frequency, intensity, and duration at different times, a persistent pattern over a relatively long time is likely to be associated with a variety of personal, social, and academic problems. Table 1 (Huberty, 2008) summarizes some of the more common signs of depression that may warrant consideration, particularly if several signs are present consistently.
Many of these symptoms could easily be mistaken for behavior problems associated with academic or social difficulties, such as apathy, low performance, or uncooperativeness.
Table 1. Common Signs of Depression in Children and Adolescents
Cognitive l
- ‘‘All or none’’ thinking
- Catastrophizing
- Memory problems
- Concentration problems
- Attention problems
- Internal locus of control
- Negative view of self, world, and future
- Automatic thinking
- Negative attributional style
- Negative affect
- Feelings of helplessness
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Low self-esteem
- Difficulty making decisions
- Feels loss of control
- Suicidal thoughts
Behavioral
- Depressed mood
- Social withdrawal
- Does not participate in usual activities
- Shows limited effort
- Decline in self-care or personal appearance
- Decreased work or school performance
- Appears detached from others
- Crying for no apparent reason
- Inappropriate responses to events
- Irritability
- Apathy
- Uncooperative
- Suicide attempts
Physiological
- Psychomotor agitation or retardation
- Somatic complaints
- Poor appetite or overeating
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Low energy or fatigue
If you suspect your child or adolescent is depressed, contact your pediatrician. You may also wish to contact your school psychologist, school social worker, or school counselor. Help is available at each level in the Chelsea School District.
(Adapted from the National Association of School Psychologists and Thomas Huberty, Ph.D.)
