Children with a family history of depression have a greater chance. So do children who are stressed, who have experienced loss, such as of a parent or someone with whom they were close, or who have attention, learning, conduct or anxiety disorders. Childhood depression resembles adult depression, but there are some differences. Many of them might not even say they're sad. They just know they don't feel well.
Depressed adolescents look more like depressed adults.
They are frequently irritable, sullen, withdrawn. They think it's just normal adolescent behavior, whereas it's something more significant. Young people who experience self-injurious or suicidal thoughts are more vulnerable to acting on those thoughts because they don't fully comprehend the consequences of their actions. And depressed adolescents may abuse drugs or alcohol in an attempt at feeling better. Adolescents also may start engaging in anti-social or delinquent behavior.