Signs, symptoms, simple checklist for teen onset depression

My teen came home from school the other day and went right to her bedroom and slept. She got up from her nap, had half an apple pie and a plate of lasagna. She mumbled something about Prozac and how she needed to get her hands on some, and then went to bed for the weekend. Obviously, she was depressed.

Did I rush to the doctor to get her some Prozac? No, because I know the difference between being depressed and suffering from depression.

The next Monday she was more herself again, and we all had small pieces of what was left of the pie.

There are times when her mood swings change as much as the channels on the TV she is watching to cheer herself up. Yet, she is not depressive. There is nothing long-term about her depression. Being sad is not depression. And Prozac is not a “happy” pill.

In the normal life of a teen there is much to watch out for, to be prepared for and aware of. These include incredible moodiness, chemical and hormonal changes, the whack social lives these kids are starting to lead, the sugars and fat and caffeine they ingest daily, and sleep patterns that would not be unheard of in a state hospital.

And then there is actual, clinical teen depression.

Before we go on to clinical teen depression, here is another example of what it isn't.

Girlfriend problems had my son out for a week. After the week was over, there were signs of life: playing a softball game, coming out and watching a movie that our family finds funny, arguing with his sister over cheese. Yes, he was depressed. Being that his mother and I are familiar with the signs, we knew this depression was not clinical.

Parents should be at a calm but yellow alert generally, balancing the continued monitoring of teens necessary while allowing them the freedom to experience things for themselves.

Actual clinical depression in teens, like in adults, lasts two weeks or more. That's an obvious first sign. And there are charts and lists to check on the other signs of clinical, or teen onset, depression.

Teen onset depression begins to manifest itself in the teen years. And clinical depression is not being depressed. Or we should say that being depressed is not the same as clinical depression.

Symptoms of clinical depression

(For in-depth information, see WebMD's Symptoms of Depression)

• Sleeps excessively, stays awake at night and sleeps during the day.

• Exhibits criminal behaviors, such as shoplifting, driving under the influences of alcohol or drugs and promiscuous sexual activity and rebellious behavior.

• Complains of pains, headaches, stomach aches, lower back pain, fatigue.

• Has difficulty concentrating and difficulty in making decisions and memory loss.

• Has excessive or inappropriate guilt.

• Shows irresponsible behavior — for example, forgetting obligations, being late for classes, skipping school or church.

• Loses interest in food or compulsive overeating that results in rapid weight change.

• Preoccupation with death and dying.

• Inconsolable sadness, anxiety or feelings of hopelessness.

• Sudden drop in grades, withdrawal from friends, lack of enthusiasm, low energy or low motivation.

Also, be aware that all types of depression run in families. Studies have shown that having a close relative who is dealing with some form of depression is the largest risk factor.

How is teen depression diagnosed?

So far, there aren't specific medical tests that can detect depression. Blood test? CT scan? No and no.

Professional health care professionals are able to make a diagnoses of teen depression by speaking to the teen, questioning parents and those close to the teen. Psychological tests are given, and notes taken and shared about specific behaviors. Patterns are established that professionals can read and interpret.

Many of these symptoms of clinical teen depression and depression caused by circumstances or situations are similar. No one is able to see the differences in behaviors like a parent. With a professional's expertise and a parent's eye for details, your teen has a better chance of a successful adolescence.

But whatever the cause of the moodiness or the emotional swings, you will want to investigate. The problem may be simply what is normal today for a teen growing up. If the things that your teen finds joy in aren't able to pull him out, or if he still isolates himself, there's a chance that he has a deeper problem and you would be right to seek professional help.

It's a different world out there from the one I grew up in. I am a better parent when I acknowledge the differences and familiarizing myself with the challenges of today. Our kids aren't settling the plains, or acclimatizing themselves to the new microwaves.

There's is a mental and emotional place. That's the new frontier for teens.

Here's some recommended reading:

How do you help a depressed teen?

Common symptoms of childhood depression

Teens and bipolar disorder

Davison Cheney deals with bipolar affective disorder. He writes the “Prodigal Dad” family column weekly for KSL.com. See his other writings at davisoncheneyprodigaldad.blogspot.com and on Twitter @davisoncheney.