Federal panel urges depression screening for American tweens and teens

Always moody. Easily agitated. Sleeps in. Says, "Nobody cares." Sounds like a typical teen. Not always. Did you know that depression now strikes one out of 20 teens? What's more, the rates of childhood depression are not only increasing but are also impacting younger kids. A kid today is ten times more likely to be seriously depressed compared to a child born in the first third of this century.

Those troubling stats are exactly why this week an influential government-appointed medical panel is urging doctors to routinely screen all American teens for depression. The task force's recommendations appear in April's prestigious journal, Pediatrics. Clinical depression is not a phase or a normal stage of development, nor something kids can shrug off. It is a serious and sometimes life-threatening disease, and the long-term consequences are just too severe to ignore. Depressed youngsters are almost four times more likely to have drug or alcohol problems by their mid-20s. Nearly one in ten kids who develop major depression prior to their puberty commit suicide; and suicide rates for kids and teens have tripled in three decades.

The best news is when diagnosed early and properly treated , kids almost always can be helped and feel better. Evidence also shows detailed but simple questionnaires can accurately diagnose depression. They are available in a primary-care setting such as a pediatrician's office.

The bottom line here is that every kid feels sad and moody from time to time, but this kind of behavior should have a time limit. If you even have an ounce of concern, pick up the phone and get an appointment for your child. Please don't wait.

8 characteristics of depression that should not be overlooked:

1. An increase in physical ailments. Headaches, stomachaches, nausea, sweaty palms, sleeplessness or always sleeping that don't lessen with over-the-counter medication and rest.


2. A marked, sudden, or intense change. Something is radically different about your child's personality, temperament, or normal behavior that just is not right.


3. It doesn't go away. This lasts longer than two weeks, becomes more intense, or just comes and goes, and nothing is easing your child's pain.


4. Your child is preoccupied with death or feelings of hopelessness. He is drawing, writing or asking about death, giving away personal belongings, or saying "What's the use?"


5. The sadness interferes with her daily life. Her social, academic or family life are affected.


6. Folks who know your child well share their concerns. Don't dismiss their remarks.


7. Your child tells you something is wrong and wants help. Trust him.


8. Your instinct says something is not right. Trust your instinct. Chances are you're right.

If the problem seems to accelerate out of control and your child is saying scary things, or you any thought that your child is suicidal, DO NOT WAIT. Call the USA National Suicide hotline: 800-784-2433 or 800-273-8255 and take him to the nearest emergency room immediately.

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Dr. Michele Borba is the author of over 22 books including 12 Simple Secrets Real Moms Know .

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