Parents have been told how to spot signs of depression among their secondary school kids.

Dr Foluso Ademola and Dr Declan Sheerin wrote an article for the Irish Medical Times on diagnosing the mental illness among teenagers.

They revealed that 4.5 per cent of 12 to 15-year-olds in Ireland fitted criteria for a mood disorder in a recent study.

The doctors stated that diagnosis of depression within this age group presents different challenges, but some teenagers may become apathetic or withdraw from people.

"Teenagers often present with irritable mood, a sudden drop in grades, a change in friends, social withdrawal, change in eating or sleeping patterns, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness or suicidal thinking," Dr Ademola and Dr Sheerin wrote.

Other signs to look out for include headaches, anxiety, irritability and stomach aches as kids can internalise their feelings with physical complaints.

These comments come after Lucie Russell, director of campaigns, policy and participation at UK organisation YoungMinds, said social networking can contribute to young people suffering from depression as a result of cyber-bullying.

Written by Donal Walsh

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