It’s normal for your teen to be sad sometimes. Maybe they didn’t do well on an exam or they had a fight with their best friend. It’s even OK for them to be overwhelmingly sad from difficult life changes, such as the death of a family member. But are they feeling down for weeks at a time? Are their grades dropping because they have no motivation to study? It might be time for your teen to take an online depression test.

Depression, or major depressive disorder, is a mental health condition that can impact a teen’s productivity at school, their personal relationships and their goal planning if it’s left untreated. But if you’re unsure about whether they need professional help, your teen can take an online depression test to be guided in the right direction.

What you can expect if your teen takes an online depression test

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a mood disorder that affects millions of adolescents around the globe. According to research from 2021, approximately 3.1% of adolescents between 10 and 14 years old experience symptoms of depression, as well as 2.4% of teens between the ages of 15 and 19.

Common symptoms of depression in teens include fatigue, social isolation and lack of enjoyment in activities. If you believe that your teen is exhibiting emotional, mental and behavioral patterns that align with MDD, it may be beneficial for them to take an online depression test. They may also come to you about the idea themselves if they’ve recognized their negative thoughts and emotions.

An online depression test for teens can help determine the likelihood of a major depressive disorder diagnosis. It can compare your teen’s symptoms to those outlined in the DSM-5-TR, which is used by mental health care providers to provide a diagnosis.

It’s important that you guide them as a support system as they take the test and not point out what you think are the most accurate answers. The goal is to help them gain awareness of their mental health challenges.

Here are a few things you can anticipate if your teen completes an online depression test:

• Denial — Once your teen starts taking a depression test, they may immediately try to shut down or deny any of their mental health concerns. But, since they have to be on board with taking the test without pressure from you, you can point out that the test is an important step toward a fulfilling future where they are the best possible version of themselves. While it may be difficult for them to acknowledge their depression symptoms, it will help them in the long run.
• Downplaying their symptoms — Your teen may have a preconceived notion about what depression looks like from movies and television. They may think that it means not being able to leave your bed for days on end or not showering. While these may be symptoms for some people with severe depression, they can vary from person to person. This can result in them downplaying their own symptoms because they don’t fit the stereotypes. However, being as truthful as possible is essential for taking an online depression test.
• No 100% results — We all find relief in getting solid answers, regardless of what they are. But the goal of an online depression test for teens is to see how much they align with the diagnostic criteria. The results won’t provide a diagnosis, or say that your teen doesn’t have depression. It will tell you how likely they are to receive one when they are screened by their provider. An online depression test is a guidance tool for your teen’s next step in their mental health journey.

Lightfully can help after your teen takes an online depression test

An online depression test is an important step for your teen. Once they have a better grasp of how they align with a major depressive disorder diagnosis, they can seek the treatment that they need to improve their overall mental health. Their pediatrician can help them determine what support would work best for their challenges. Your teen may be referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist for a formal diagnosis, therapy and medication.

If your teen has worsening depression symptoms that are impacting their day-to-day life, our Lightfully Teen Intensive Outpatient Program may be what they’re looking for. It provides a structured schedule of various therapy dynamics that can help them develop the tools they need to manage their mental health on a daily basis.

Change is possible. When your teen is ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of them.