Teen Depression vs Adult Depression
DIFFERENCES IN SYMPTOMS IN ADULTS & TEENS ADULTS- tend to be sad
- stay sad
- sleep less
- eat less
- decrease in libido
- no change in anxiety
- no change in physical problems
Teens
- tend to be angry, irrational, act out
- cycles in and out frequently
- sleep more
- eat more
- libido seldom impaired
- increased anxiety
- complains of somatic symptoms
There is a marked increase in irritability which is frequently evident in young people leading to family conflicts.
Not all depressed adolescents experience depression differently than adults
A marked drop in school performance is a primary indicator of depression.
Depression in teens can be particularly insidious and often follows other mental disorders (eg. anxiety disorder)