Do you ever wonder whether your irritable or unhappy adolescent might actually be experiencing teen depression? Of course, most teens feel unhappy at times. And when you add hormone havoc to the many other changes happening in a teen's life, it's easy to see why their moods swing like a pendulum But depression can be treated and the serious problems associated with it. So if your teen's unhappiness lasts for more than two weeks and he or she displays other symptoms of depression, it may be time to seek help from a health professional.

Why do adolescents get depression?

There are multiple reasons why a teenager might become unhappy. For example, teens can develop feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy over their grades. School performance, social status with peers, sexual orientation, or family life can each have a major effect on how a teen feels. Sometimes, teen depression may result from environmental stress. But whatever the cause, when friends or family -- or things that the teen usually enjoys -- don't help to improve his or her sadness or sense of isolation, there's a good chance that he or she has teen depression.

What are the symptoms of teen depression?

Often, kids with teen depression will have a noticeable change in their thinking and behavior. They may have no motivation and even become withdrawn, closing their bedroom door after school and staying in their room for hours.

Kids with teen depression may sleep excessively, have a change in eating habits, and may even exhibit criminal behavior. Here are some more signs of depression in adolescents:

• apathy
• complaints of pains, including headaches, stomachaches, low back pain, or fatigue
• difficulty concentrating
• difficulty making decisions
• excessive or inappropriate guilt
• irresponsible behavior -- for example, forgetting obligations, being late for classes, skipping school
• loss of interest in food or compulsive overeating that results in rapid weight loss or gain
• memory loss
• preoccupation with death and dying
• rebellious behavior
• sadness, anxiety, or a feeling of hopelessness
• staying awake at night and sleeping during the day
• sudden drop in grades
• use of alcohol or drugs and promiscuous sexual activity
• withdrawal from friends

Can teen depression run in families?

Yes. Depression, which usually starts between the ages of 15 and 30, runs in families. In fact, teen depression may be more common among adolescents who have a family history of depression.

How is teen depression diagnosed?

There aren't any specific medical tests that can detect depression. Health care professionals determine if an adolescent has teen depression by conducting clinical diagnostic interviews and psychological tests with the teen and his or her family members, teachers, and peers.

The severity of the teen depression and the risk of suicide are determined based on the assessment of these interviews. Treatment recommendations are also made based on the data collected from the interviews.

The doctor will also look for signs of potentially co-existing psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, mania, or schizophrenia. The doctor will also assess the teen for risks of suicidal or homicidal behaviors.

How is teen depression treated?

There are a variety of methods used to treat depression, including medications and psychotherapy. Family therapy may be helpful if family conflict is contributing to the teen depression. The teen will also need support from family or teachers to help with any school or peer problems. Occasionally, hospitalization in a psychiatric unit may be required for teenagers with severe depression.

Does depression medicine work for teen depression?

Yes. A large number of research trials have shown the effectiveness of depression medications in relieving the symptoms of teen depression.

What are the warning signs for teen suicide?

Suicide is a serious problem with teens. Adolescent suicide is a leading cause of death among youth and young adults.

Family difficulties, the loss of a loved one, or perceived failures at school or in relationships can all lead to negative feelings and depression. And teen depression often makes problems seem overwhelming and the associated pain unbearable. Suicide is an act of desperation and teen depression is often the root cause.

Warning signs of suicide with teen depression include:

• expressing hopelessness for the future
• giving up on one's self, talking as if no one else cares
• preparing for death, giving away favorite possessions, writing goodbye letters, or making a will
• threatening to kill one's self

If your teenager displays any of these behaviors, you should seek help from a mental healthcare professional immediately. Or you can call a suicide hotline for help.

Depression carries a high risk of suicide. Anybody who expresses suicidal thoughts or intentions should be taken very, very seriously.