The ABCs of Bullying
Addressing, Blocking, and Curbing School Aggression
Module 4: Screening and Assessment - Page 15 of 22
Signs of Depression in Children and Adolescents
Mood disorders, such as depression or dysthymia, substantially increase the risk of suicide. The incidence of suicide attempts reaches a peak during the midadolescent years. More than 90 percent of children and adolescents who commit suicide have a mental disorder.ref Depression often is present in these children. Research has shown that at any one time, between 10 and 15 percent of the child and adolescent population have some symptoms of depression.ref
Between 10 and 15 percent of the child and adolescent population have some symptoms of depression.
Symptoms of depression in children and adolescents may include:ref
- Frequent vague, nonspecific physical complaints such as headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches, or tiredness
- Frequent absences from school or poor performance in school
- Talk of or efforts to run away from home
- Outbursts of shouting, complaining, unexplained irritability, or crying
- Being bored
- Lack of interest in playing with friends
- Alcohol or substance abuse
- Social isolation, poor communication
- Fear of death
- Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure
- Increased irritability, anger, or hostility
- Reckless behavior
- Difficulty with relationships
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Last Updated: 5/19/04
SAMHSA is an Agency of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
