Depression screening

Depression screening is a way to see if your older child or teen has depression symptoms. It may be done by a doctor or counselor. It's often part of a routine checkup. That's because your child's mental health is just as important as their physical health.

Depression is a mental health condition. It affects how your child feels, thinks, and acts. Your child may:

• Have less energy.
• Lose interest in daily activities.
• Feel sad and grouchy for a long time.

Depression is very common. It affects people of all ages.

Many things can lead to depression. Some older children and teens become depressed after a traumatic event or because they have a chronic illness. The death of a loved one, a breakup, or being bullied may lead to it. Depression can run in families. Most experts believe that a mix of inherited genes and stressful life events can cause it.

Your teen or older child may be asked to fill out a form about their depression symptoms. It's important for your child to be honest about how they are feeling. The doctor and your child will talk about the answers. The doctor may ask you or your child more questions to learn more about how your child thinks, acts, and feels.

The doctor may want to know about things like:

• Grouchiness.
• Lost interest in activities that used to be fun.
• Changes in appetite.
• Weight gain or loss.
• Sleeping more or less than usual.
• Not wanting to spend time with friends or family, and more.

Teens and older children with depression may also have other conditions. These might be anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or an eating disorder. The doctor may ask questions about these things too.