Depression in
adolescents can be difficult to diagnose due to problems with differentiating between the normal, transient
difficulties and developmental issues that occur in this age group and actual depressive symptoms. This paper examines the causes, symptoms, and treatment of adolescent
depression. The paper explains that accurate and early diagnosis and treatment of depression in
adolescents is essential to prevent impairment in academic, social, emotional, and behavioral functioning and to prevent suicide and the increased risk for depression and suicide in adulthood.