The misdiagnosis of depression in troubled teenagers may stem from a parent overlooking the signs of the disorder or mistaking them for something else. Depression is characterized by the occurrence of difficulties with sleep, drive, appetite, and loss of appeal for one’s hobbies for a time period of half a year or more. One’s family and social interaction with peers are also negatively affected as well.

Automatically, when the disorder “depression” is mentioned normally one directly associates it with sorrow. But it is significant to note that even if in adults, sorrow characterizes much of the “depressed” experience, in teenagers or those younger, depression does not necessarily emerge as sorrow. Feelings of anger may actually be manifested in hostile or defiant behavior in teenagers, as a way of expressing their depression.

A bad temper may also serve as a sign of depression. Because of these fundamental differences in the manifestations of depression in adults and teenagers, one can see how misdiagnoses may occur. In fact, hostile behavior is a key defining trait of another disorder - Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Depression may frequently be mistaken for certain Mood disorders as well.

A classic issue with teenagers in the time of adolescence is difficulty communicating feelings. If your teen is having difficulty expressing himself to you or to his peers, then you can expect double the trouble in deciphering the signs of depression. They themselves may experience confusion in comprehending their own feelings.

They may not end up viewing their depression as a serious disorder that must be treated and dealt with accordingly, but as a simple change of mood. Here is where things can get complicated. Depression not only must be given the proper diagnosis but it also requires appropriate treatment. If left alone, not only may the condition of the disorder worsen, but ultimately depression may lead to teen suicide.

A disorder of a negative nature such as depression often fosters isolation. But your teen needs precisely the opposite in order to help him/herself up and out of a depressive rut. The power of company is an important aspect of treatment. Talking and being with another has been recognized as a significant facet of counseling for years.

By overlooking the possible signs of depression, a teenager may curl up into himself, which makes leading one away from the disorder an even harder task to accomplish. As a parent you must keep in mind that your help is needed. You can’t expect your depressed teen to pick himself up from the ground all on his own.

It may be easy to become irritated by a child’s defiance, but if you feel you can’t handle it on your own then by all means seek outside help from a therapist or counselor who has experience with the disorder. You will thank yourself when your child begins to receive treatment and is lead away from the ultimate dead-end of depression—suicide.

Refer to Oppositional Defiant Disorder or Mood Disorders for more information.