Depression in children warning signs

Dr. Chris Petersen, a psychiatrist at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, cited these symptoms of depression in a recent article.

Symptoms of child and teen depression:

• Social withdrawal: A desire to remain isolated or restricted to a narrow peer group for weeks or months.
• Isolation from peer group: Diminishing time and interaction with a previously close group of friends.
• Symptoms of depression: Irritability, anger and sadness, as well as boredom in situations they would not normally consider boring.
• Deteriorating grades and work habits.
• Frequent fighting, becoming abusive.
• Maintaining poor personal hygiene.
• Abusing alcohol or drugs.
• Changing sleep habits and appetite.

PARENTING ADVICE

• The National, Parenting Center at www.tnpc.com.

RECOMMENDED READING

From George Schmidt, psychologist with the East Pennsboro Area School District. 

Both are by Anthony Wolf:

• “Get Out of My Life … but first could you drive me and Cheryl to the Mall- Parent’s Guide to the Teenager.”
• “It’s Not fair, Jeremy Spencer’s Parents Let Him Stay Up All Night.”