Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in children and adolescents and can manifest itself in very different ways. It is not uncommon for them to occur in conjunction with other mental illnesses.

However, since phases of low mood are part of childhood and adolescence, it is often difficult to distinguish "normal" mood swings from the onset of depression. Symptoms can vary widely; younger children, for example, often show tearful or angry behavior, apathy, sleep and eating problems, nightmares, and clinginess.

Later on, symptoms of general sadness or lack of emotion, severe self-criticism, concentration and memory problems, restlessness, joylessness, drop in performance and problems at school, and even suicidal thoughts may occur.

Due to the often unclear symptoms, a psychotherapeutic or psychiatric diagnosis with subsequent treatment is particularly important.