Which statement indicates that a teenager is probably experiencing clinical depression rather than the discontent and bad moods that are a typical part of adolescence?

Which statement indicates that a teenager is probably experiencing clinical depression rather than the discontent and bad moods that are a typical part of adolescence?

• A. The source of the teenager's depression is the breakup of a romance or close friendship.
• B. The teenager seems to be in a bad mood one day and a good mood the next day and alternates back and forth.
• C. The source of the teenager's depression is poor performance in a school or athletic endeavor.
• D. The teenager exhibits behaviors associated with depression consistently for several consecutive weeks.

Answer: (D)

Enduring depressive symptoms that last for weeks and interfere with daily life are what signal clinical depression in teens. When a teen shows behaviors associated with depression consistently over several consecutive weeks, it suggests a persistent condition beyond normal moodiness. In contrast, mood that swings from day to day, sadness tied to a breakup, or declines in school or sport performance that aren’t sustained or pervasive are more typical of temporary stress or situational upset rather than clinical depression.

Enduring depressive symptoms that last for weeks and interfere with daily life are what signal clinical depression in teens. When a teen shows behaviors associated with depression consistently over several consecutive weeks, it suggests a persistent condition beyond normal moodiness. In contrast, mood that swings from day to day, sadness tied to a breakup, or declines in school or sport performance that aren’t sustained or pervasive are more typical of temporary stress or situational upset rather than clinical depression.