The symptoms of depression manifest themselves in very different ways at varying ages. What is important to remember is that you are looking for signs or behaviors that are out of character for your child. If you are thinking, “he never acts like that,” pay attention. It does not necessarily mean he is depressed or suffering from anything extraordinary. He just might be having a rough patch.

Following is a more general explanation of symptoms in children as they age. As you read about them, you will begin to see just how hard it is to make an accurate diagnosis of depression.

Symptoms from Birth to Age Twelve

At a glance, the following are symptoms of children before the age of three: feeding problems, tantrums, and lack of emotional expression.

In ages three to five: fears; enuresis or encopresis; frequent crying and oversensitivity; lack of interest in others, including children; and decreased attention and increased distractibility.

At ages six to eight: vague somatic complaints, resistance to activities, changes in school performance, social withdrawal.

At ages nine to 12: excessive anxiety, loss of self-esteem, social isolation, a lack of interest, anger, and suicidal thoughts.

Adolescent Symptoms

Adolescence comes with its own set of problems. Symptoms may include moodiness, extreme irritability and anger, appetite disturbances, sleep problems, overreactivity, lack of interest in activities and friends, substance use, delinquency, body image issues, and suicidal thoughts. About half of depressed teens exhibit a sad mood, while the other half presents as irritable or angry.