What are the signs of general moodiness and the signs of depression in adolescents?
Moodiness is getting upset over a bad grade, not making the basketball team, breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, or being upset when teased by others. Moodiness is having an argument with a parent and not speaking for a day or two. Depression may be precipitated by these kinds of experiences, but the moodiness continues for weeks or months and is an expression that something more serious is amiss. Parents and teachers must see these moods as communications, and they may be the only means the adolescent or child has to let those around him or her know that something is very wrong. Differences between moodiness and depression in adolescents Is it possible for adolescents — whose brains are still developing — to be accurately diagnosed for depression? How often are kids misdiagnosed and put on antidepressants? Yes, it is possible for these moods to be elevated in adolescents. Remember, the ongoing, or chronic, symptoms are signs that a bout of depression is emerging, and it can be
