can be a transient mood change in response to many stimuli. In adolescents, depression is common because of the normal maturation process, the stress associated with it, and independence conflicts with parents. It may also be a reaction to a disturbing event such as the death of a friend or relative, a breakup with a boyfriend or girlfriend, failure at school, or for no apparent reason. Medical or psychiatric illness or medications may also cause depression.According to Yapko, normal behavior in adolescents is marked by both up and down moods, with alternating periods of feeling “the world is a great place” and “life’s a bummer”. These moods may alternate over a period of hours or days. Persistent depression with no interspersed periods of happiness, faltering school performance, failing relations with family and friends, substance abuse and other negative behaviors may indicate depression. Teenagers may also mask depression with a put-on front of happiness but acting-out and risk-taking behaviors indicate the underlying problem.Unlike adult depression, symptoms of youth depression are often masked. Instead of expressing sadness, teenagers may express boredom and irritability, or may choose to engage in risky behaviors (Yapko, 1997). Mood disorders are often accompanied by other psychological problems such as anxiety, eating disorders, hyperactivity, substance abuse and suicide all of that can hide depressive symptoms. The signs of clinical depression include marked changes in mood and associated behaviors that range from sadness, withdrawal, and decreased energy to intense feelings of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts.Key indicators of adolescent depression include a drastic change in eating and sleeping patterns, significant loss of interest in previous activity interests (Blackman, 1995), constant boredom, disruptive behavior, peer problems, increased irritability and aggression (Brown, 1996). Blackman...
