Symptoms of depression in children

Children who are depressed may have the same symptoms as adults. But adults may believe that these symptoms are normal in children. Some signs that may alert adults that children are depressed include:

  • Being grouchy and crying for no reason you can see.
  • Avoiding friends and social events. Children who are depressed are often shunned by their classmates.
  • Doing poorly in school or refusing to go to school.
  • Paying little attention to how they look.
  • Having behavior problems such as temper tantrums, becoming sexually active, or using alcohol or illegal drugs.
  • Not getting along well with parents. Children who are depressed may avoid hugs and other signs of affection from their parents.
  • Physical complaints such as headache or stomachache with no cause you can see.

For more information, see the topic Depression in Children and Teens.

Last Updated: March 13, 2009

Author: Jeannette Curtis & Paul Lehnert

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Catherine D. Serio, PhD - Behavioral Health & Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry & Peter Hauser, MD - Psychiatry

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