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Parents are urged to seek medical attention for any child who exhibits symptoms of depression that appear to be negatively impacting the child’s quality of life. In diagnosing depression, a physician compiles a thorough medical history and performs a complete physical examination. If the child shows signs of depression, the physician may order blood tests and other procedures to help rule out medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms.

If the physician suspects that the child is depressed, the child may be referred to a child and adolescent psychiatrist or other mental health professional who can help make a more definitive diagnosis of depression. This evaluation includes a complete history of symptoms, including information about their onset, duration and severity. It is also noted whether the child has had these symptoms before and, if so, whether and how they were treated. Questionnaires (e.g., the Mood Disorder Questionnaire) and other evaluation tools may also be used to confirm diagnosis.

The physician or non-physician mental health professional will also ask about whether the child has thought about death or suicide and whether other family members have had a mood disorder or history of alcohol and drug use.