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Teens and Depression
Teens and Depression
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Depression among children and teens is common, but rarely recognized. According to a recent report, it affects 2% of children before puberty, and as many of 8% of teens. But with teens in particular it can be very difficult to predict who is suffering from depression and who is just going through teenage angst.
Here are few clues: The first is to see if there is a change in school performance; and another is to see if your child is able to enjoy at least some of the things that make him or her happy. The key point is to not ignore behavior that you think is different. There are treatments out there that can make a very big difference. But at the very least, if you suspect a problem, address it.
I'm Dr. Brian McDonough.