Diagnosing depression in children is complex. Children don’t always show sadness the same way adults do, and their experiences can vary widely depending on their age, personality, and environment. Adding another layer of complexity is the type of depression a child might have.
In this guide, you’ll find clear explanations of how professionals assess depression in children, key symptoms to watch for, commonly used screening tools, and what to expect after a diagnosis.
Recognizing Depression Symptoms
Depression in children influences how they feel, act, and even how they function physically, so noticing these signs early can be very important.
Among toddlers and preschoolers, depression might look like extra clinginess, frequent meltdowns, or regression in skills they had already mastered. In school-age children, it can show up as persistent sadness, problems at school, avoiding friends or family, or negative thoughts about themselves.
For example, a child who used to enjoy playing with friends might start avoiding them, or a student who was once confident may begin having trouble with schoolwork and feel like they’re not good enough.
Parents, caregivers, and sometimes teachers usually notice these patterns through changes in everyday behavior, mood, or how the child interacts with others.
Teachers, in particular, may observe shifts in classroom participation, friendships, or academic performance. These may signal that the child is struggling.
Diagnosing Depression in Children
The process usually starts with a child psychologist, therapist, or psychiatrist talking with both the child and their parents or caregivers.
They may ask open-ended questions to learn more about how the child is feeling, what challenges they are facing, and whether there are concerns like anxiety, attention difficulties, or behavioral issues [*].
Professionals also look at the bigger picture. They consider factors such as family life, school experiences, and friendships, which can all influence a child’s emotions.
Part of the assessment also includes checking for any risk of self-harm or suicidal thoughts, so that the child gets support right away if needed.
They may also rule out medical conditions that can cause depressive symptoms, such as thyroid disorders, anemia, or vitamin deficiencies.
After these initial discussions, professionals may use standardized tools to better understand the child’s symptoms and their intensity.
In younger children, visual or pictorial methods may be used to help them communicate feelings they might not be able to put into words.
The assessment process does not end after the initial appointment. Professionals usually do follow-ups with the child and family to monitor changes, and offer support where it’s most needed.
Screening Tools
Screening tools are simple questionnaires or activities that help mental health professionals learn more about what a child might be feeling or thinking. They don’t diagnose depression on their own but offer helpful clues about a child’s mood, thoughts, and behavior.
They’re used alongside interviews and observations to give a fuller picture of how the child is doing. Here are some common tools that professionals may use:
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Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) - Used for children ages 7-17, the CDI helps measure how frequently a child experiences feelings like sadness, irritability, or hopelessness. It asks questions about mood, self-esteem, and daily activities to see if depressive symptoms may be present [*].
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Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A) - This short self-report form is designed for teens ages 11 to 17. It screens for common symptoms of depression, such as loss of interest, fatigue, or changes in sleep. The results help professionals understand how much these symptoms are affecting their daily life.
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Beck Depression Inventory for Youth (BDI-Y) - Created for children and adolescents ages 7 to 18, the BDI-Y explores emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms of depression. It helps identify how strongly a young person may feel sadness, guilt, or low energy [*].
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Pictorial Instrument for Children and Adolescents (PICA-R) - This tool is designed for children ages 6 to 16. It uses pictures and visual prompts to help children express emotions that might be difficult to describe in words. It’s a developmentally appropriate way to understand their inner experiences.
What Happens After Diagnosis?
A diagnosis can be the start of healing. It means that what your child has been feeling finally has a name, and now, you can take steps together toward recovery.
After a child is diagnosed with depression, their healthcare provider (a child psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist) will work closely with your family to create a treatment plan that fits your child’s needs.
This plan usually includes psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy. An effective approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps children recognize negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier ones. In therapy, your child also learns coping skills.
Before considering medication, the healthcare provider will carefully assess your child’s situation and discuss important questions to guide whether it’s the right step. They’ll look at the severity of symptoms, how much these symptoms are affecting daily life, and whether therapy alone may be enough at first [*].
Throughout this process, your support as a parent or caregiver will matter most.
Resources
If you’d like to learn more, you can access these websites that provide reliable information on diagnosing depression in children:
