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Child Behavior  (Expert Forum)
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Signs of Depression in Adolescents
Answered by
Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D. - Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Family Therapy, Crisis Intervention
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
This forum is for questions and support regarding child behavior issues such: Child Discipline (behavior management), Normal Child Development, Parent-Child Communications, Social Development

Signs of Depression in Adolescents

by CA Allison, Mar 01, 2002 12:00AM
Is is possible for an adolescent to show classic signs of depression such as:



-alienating herself from friends

-abrupt change in study habits/grades (from a's to d's in 4 months)

-unable to face schoolwork/classes

-increasing somatic complaints (nausea & vomiting) when anxious

-change in sleep patterns (wanting to sleep more)

-fatigue



and yet still be able to enjoy certain activities?



So my question is:

Does anhedonia always accompany adolescent depression?



I should mention that this 16 year old female has seen a physician to r/o medical causes.



Thanks.

by Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D., Mar 01, 2002 12:00AM
Yes, it is possible. Anhedonia is a frequent symptom of depression, but is not a necessary criterion. In addition, in adolescents an irritable or excessively grouchy mood is often typical of depression, rather than the low mood or melancholic type of depression that is often witnessed in the adult population (though teens might display this version of depression as well).
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