Major Depressive Disorder in Adolescents / Teens

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? ~3.7% global*
Is it more common among adolescents / teens? Rises substantially through adolescence
Are adolescents / teens at higher risk? Yes; incidence rises sharply during adolescence
How much higher is the risk? Not established
How often can it be missed? Moderate
Does it show up differently among adolescents / teens? Yes
How might it look different? Irritability, academic/social withdrawal, self-harm can be prominent
What commonly occurs alongside it? Anxiety; substance use; eating disorders
What can it be confused with? Bipolar; anxiety; substance-related disorders; adjustment disorder
Common screening tool PHQ-9
Separate screening tool for adolescents / teens PHQ-A
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