Depression is a common and under-recognized problem in children and adolescents and is thought to affect up to 5% of children. Untreated, depression can cause problems at home, school and with social interactions and can lead to drug abuse, behavior problems and even suicide.

Reviewing the risk factors and common symptoms of depression can help you to recognize if your child is depressed, so you can intervene early and get him help.

National Depression Screening Day is designed to call attention to the illness of depression on a national level, educate the public about its symptoms and effective treatments, offer individuals the opportunity to be screened for depression, and connect those in need of treatment to the mental health care system. { more }