Expert explains differences between adult and teen depression

Clinical depression is a mood disorder than can affect anyone and at any age. The signs and symptoms, however, are not the same for everyone. Marcie Billings, M.D., a Mayo Clinic Children's Center pediatrician, says there are some differences between adult depression and teen depression. A mental health issue can be treated, but first, it needs to be diagnosed.

Whether you are 13 or 30, anyone can be affected by depression.

"It's a very real diagnosis, and it's different in adults and kids," says Dr. Billings, chair of community pediatrics.

A typical adult symptom may include the classic depressed mood.

"In a child or adolescent, you might see more irritability, cranky behavior, isolation," Dr. Billings says.

The challenge is that it also can be typical teen behavior. It is the change from normal behavior that can be concerning, Dr. Billings says.

"They used to want to spend time with friends—now they're not. Their performance at school is suffering. They're struggling to get done what they normally do every day. They're tired all the time. They can have sleep problems. They can have eating problems," she says.

Weight loss in adults is a common sign of depression.

"In children, you might see that they're not gaining weight appropriately," Dr. Billings says. Or they may be gaining excess weight.

The good news is that there are treatment options for adults and adolescents. A good place to start is talking with your primary health care provider.

"We can treat adolescent depression extremely well," Dr. Billings says.