Depression Rates Rise for Girls During Teen Years

"You don't want parents to overreact. On the other hand, it's important they do not dismiss those signs," McKeon said. "If a mood persists and there are other associated signs like difficulty concentrating, difficulty functioning, loss of appetite or energy, that teenager may require additional help."

Miller believes that even initial signs of moodiness should be taken seriously and referred for early intervention.

"Early intervention may not mean medication," she stressed. "It may mean counseling, making sure the kid has more social support, offering more activities within the school that are promoting health and wellness."

SOURCES: Richard McKeon, Ph.D., chief, suicide prevention branch, U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; Elizabeth Miller, M.D., Ph.D., chief, division of adolescent medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh; July 25, 2012, National Survey on Drug Use and Health

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Published: July 2012