Depression in Children & Adolescents

Depression is one of the most common medical illnesses in America. Children and adolescents may be diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD).

Children with MDD experience intense periods of sadness, irritability, and/or a loss of interest in pleasure or daily activities lasting for two or more weeks. These feelings are present most of the daily, nearly every day. Feeling down or blue for a day or two here and there is a normal experience, and is not depression.

The symptoms of PDD are similar to those of MDD, but are less intense and longer lasting. Youth with PDD experience chronically low mood, low-grade sadness, and/or significant irritability most days. To be diagnosed with PDD, a child or teen must have these symptoms for at least 12 months, including during summer vacation/breaks from school.

Symptoms of MDD and PDD

  • Diminished interest or pleasure in previously enjoyable activities
  • Sad or irritable mood
  • Significant change in appetite or weight (can including eating more than usual or eating less than usual)
  • Changes in sleeping habits (can include difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, or sleeping much more than usual)
  • Inability to think or make decisions
  • Diminished ability to concentrate
  • Excessive fatigue, tiredness, or loss of energy
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or hopelessness
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

It is common for youth to experience temporary periods of sadness and 1-2 of these symptoms in response to stressful life events (e.g., getting into a fight with a friend, getting a bad grade on an important test); however, if multiple symptoms are present at the same time, over an extended period of time, a diagnosis of a depressive disorder may be warranted.

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