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Conditions With Symptoms Similar to Depression in Children and Teens
Topic Overview
Certain medical or mental disorders can produce symptoms similar to Reference depression Opens New Window. Before depression is diagnosed, it may be necessary to rule out other causes of the symptoms that your child or teen may be experiencing. These other disorders may be present along with depression. Examples of other conditions that can cause similar symptoms are:
- Reference Dysthymic disorder Opens New Window, which has fewer symptoms and may be less severe than major depression but lasts longer.
- Reference Substance abuse or dependency Opens New Window, which also can increase the risk of suicide in a child or teen.
- Reference Anxiety disorders Opens New Window.
- Reference Conduct disorder Opens New Window.
- Reference Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Opens New Window.
- Reference Bipolar disorder Opens New Window, which consists of alternating episodes of depression and Reference mania Opens New Window (irritability or elevated mood).
- Reference Eating disorders Opens New Window.
- Reference Post-traumatic stress disorder Opens New Window.
- Reference Hypothyroidism Opens New Window.
- Reference Anemia Opens New Window.
- Reference Schizophrenia Opens New Window.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference April 5, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry |
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