Depressed or Defiant?

Experts Concede that it can be difficult to tell the difference between a normally rebellious teenager and one who is genuinely depressed. But here's a guide that can help. More than two weeks of a persistent  depresses, apathetic or irritable mood, plus four of the following symptoms, could indicate true depression:

• fatigue or loss of energy
• sleep problems
• change in appetite or weight
• poor concentration and difficulty making decisions
• feeling worthless or guilty
• restleness or lethargy
• thoughts of death and dying

By Lam Lye Ching

More than Just the blues (April 2005)