Depression is when an individual experiences persistent mood disorders or a loss of interest in daily activities. Depression and anxiety often go hand in hand, and symptoms of depression occur in several mood disorders like major depressive disorder, dysthymia, bipolar disorder, and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMD). When an individual experiences depression they may also experience troubles with concentration, thoughts of dying, loss of sleep, or being fatigued. Children and adolescents may have symptoms such as irritability, acting out/ lashing out at others, or poor performance in school.
Major depressive disorder affects approximately 2% of children, 4-8% of adolescents, and approximately 7% of adults. Adolescent girls and women are about twice as likely as males to experience depression.
