Teens who struggle with depression, anxiety and/or suicidal thoughts may not know how to verbally tell someone they're in trouble. But they know how to show it.

"...depression manifests itself differently in boys and girls. 'Boys show depression through anger or temper outbursts; it's unusual for a teen boy to show sadness,' said Mr. Butero. 'Young people, especially adolescent boys, mask depression as anger. Acting-out behaviors are often as much of a cry for help.'"

A Harvard study found that less than half of teen patients that struggled with depression expressed classic symptoms - instead, they developed a mix of mood and behavior problems, such as agitation or defiance. Source: SouthCoast Today (MA)

Labels: behavioral_issues, depression, mood_disorders

Social anxiety is a medical condition in which a person experiences extreme fear over being in social situations. The person may be afraid of meeting new people, or of embarrassing himself in public. Only about one percent of children and adolescents are diagnosed with social anxiety, but many believe the number to be higher as some children are simply considered "shy" and aren't properly diagnosed.

"Social phobia may look different in young people than in adults. While adults recognize the excessiveness of their discomfort, children may not have that understanding... Adolescents may simply avoid group gatherings or describe little interest in friendships."

Social anxiety is treated mainly through counseling and sometimes includes medications. Read more at MassGeneral.org.

Mood disorders describe a range of behavioral issues that may occur in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. Teenage depression and bi-polar disorders can be treated through medication and therapy. Learn more at www.adolescent-mood-disorders.com.

Labels: anxiety, mood_disorders, shyness