It's also not a personal weakness or a character flaw. Early-onset depression can lead to school failure, alcohol or other drug use, and even suicide. However, it is highly treatable. Youth under stress who experience a loss or who have attention, learning, or conduct disorders are at a higher risk for depression. Four out of every five runaway youths suffer from depression.
Clinical depression can contribute to eating disorders.
On the other hand, an eating disorder can lead to a state of clinical depression. If you have questions about, or are not satisfied with, the mental health care your child is receiving, it is important to discuss these issues with the provider. Ask for more information and seek help from other sources. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for youth with depression. Youth who exhibit symptoms of depression should be referred to, and further evaluated by, a mental health professional who specializes in treating children and teenagers.