Depression Test: Is Your Child Depressed?

If your child, adolescent, teen, or young adult is feeling depressed or experiencing persistent sadness, hopelessness, or suicidal thoughts,* taking our depression test can provide you with valuable insights and help start the conversation about mental health treatment with a professional.

Noticing depression early on is essential to the well-being of children, adolescents, teens, and young adults. In fact, according to the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, depression is affecting kids and teenagers at increasingly younger ages than ever before.

It may be hard for you or your child, teen, adolescent, or young adult to tell if they’re struggling with depression. But, by completing this test, ’you can assess if they might be struggling with this mental illness and learn the important steps you can take next.

Who Is This Depression Test For?

This depression test is designed for children, adolescents, teens, young adults, or their parents who want to find out if a child may have symptoms of depression.

The Importance of Detecting Depression Early

Early detection of depression in children, adolescents, teens, and young adults is critical for timely intervention, preventing worsening symptoms and potential long-term effects. It increases the likelihood of successful treatment, offering a better chance of recovery and improved mental health outcomes.

Symptoms of Depression in Children and Teens

Symptoms of depression in children and teens can vary from those seen in adults. Parents and young people should identify and look for general changes in behavior, mood, and social interactions. If you or your son or daughter is asking questions like “Do I have depression?”, or “Am I depressed?” or is feeling consistently sad, hopeless, or unmotivated, it may be an indication that a depression assessment is needed.

Other signs in young people may include:

• Changes in sleep patterns or appetite.
• Decrease participation in previously enjoyed activities.
• Problems at school.
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
• Feelings of worthlessness or
• Consistent disorganization, such as a messy room

Is There a Definitive Test for Depression?

There’s no definitive depression quiz or test for children, adolescents, teens, or young adults. This depression test is a screening tool, and a qualified mental health professional should always make the formal diagnosis.

How Accurate Is the Depression Test?

Developed based on research and clinical expertise, The accuracy of this depression test for children, adolescents, teens, and young adults is reliant on honest self-reporting of symptoms and emotions. Also, while the questionnaire provides valuable insights, it’s designed as a starting point for further assessment and guidance. A professional evaluation is necessary to diagnose depression.

If you suspect your child, adolescent, teen, or young adult may have depression, it’s crucial to contact a trained mental health professional for help.

Types of Depression This Test May Identify

The types of depression this test may identify include bipolar depression, manic depression, major depressive disorder (MDD), persistent depressive disorder (PDD), seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and atypical depression.

Depression Test

For each of the questions in the depression test below, please choose a response based on how often it applies to you (if you’re an adolescent, a teenager, or a young adult) or your child (if you’re the parent). The most honest responses will lead to the most accurate results. This test usually takes about five minutes. After you hit “Submit,” please scroll back down on the page for your results.

It’s important to remember the test is just a starting point. Children, adolescents, teens, young adults, and their parents should never self-diagnose depression. A qualified professional should always make the diagnosis.

How Is Depression Diagnosed?

Diagnosing depression involves a thorough evaluation of symptoms, history, and mental health. Professionals use self-report assessment tools, interviews, and their expertise to accurately diagnose depression and rule out other conditions. A comprehensive diagnosis is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan.

Can Depression Be Prevented in Young People?

Depression may be preventable, so it’s helpful if parents create a supportive environment, teach healthy coping mechanisms, and address risk factors early on. These strategies can help reduce the risk of children, adolescents, teens, and young adults developing this mental illness.

What Happens if Depression Goes Untreated?

Untreated depression in children, teens, and young adults can have severe consequences for their mental health. Without intervention, symptoms may worsen, leading to increased emotional distress and impairment in daily functioning. Academic performance, social relationships, self-esteem, and the risk of self-harm or suicidal thoughts may be negatively affected. Early treatment is crucial to prevent the long-term effects of untreated depression.

How To Help Young People With Depression

Helping children, adolescents, teens, and young adults with depression requires a comprehensive approach that involves support from parents, teachers, and mental health professionals. Here are some strategies to consider.

Support groups and helplines

Support groups and helplines can provide a valuable source of support for those with depression. These platforms allow children, adolescents, teens, and young adults to connect with others who are going through similar experiences, providing a sense of community and understanding.

Helplines such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offer immediate assistance for those in crisis, providing a listening ear and guidance on how to cope with depressive symptoms.

Family support

Family support and understanding play a crucial role in helping children, teens, and young adults with depression. When your child is struggling with depression, actions you can take include:

• Openly communicating about depression and mental health.
• Learning more about depression.
• Encouraging your child, adolescent, teen, or young adult to exercise, eat healthy foods, and prioritize sleep.

Seeking professional help: therapists and psychiatrists

Seeking professional help is an important step in helping children, teens, and young adults with depression. Therapists and psychiatrists are trained professionals who can provide specialized guidance and support. They can assess the severity of the depression, offer evidence-based treatment options, and monitor progress over time. Therapy sessions can help young people with depression develop coping mechanisms, improve self-esteem, and learn healthy ways to manage their emotions.

Depression Test: Next Steps

If the depression test suggests potential symptoms of depression, it’s crucial to contact a mental health professional for evaluation. This professional can provide guidance, offer support, and recommend appropriate treatment to help your child heal.

If you’re worried your child, adolescent, teen, or young adult is struggling with depression-related symptoms, contact us today to learn how we can help your family take the first step toward a healthier, happier future.

*This article is for informational purposes only and not to be considered medical advice. If your child is having a mental health emergency, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate support by calling or texting 988 or chatting online. You can also text HOME to 741741 ─ the Crisis Text Line ─ from anywhere in the country to talk with a trained crisis counselor.