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Informal Child & Adolescent Depression Checklist (print to use) The following informal checklist does not have a scoring key. These are, however, all important dimensions of depression that should be discussed with a counselor or psychologist. Put an “X” in the appropriate box: |
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Symptom |
None |
Just a Little |
Pretty much |
Very Much |
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Child complains of depression or feeling sad |
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Child is very irritable or angry daily or several times a week |
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Child has low energy and seems dull or listless |
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Child has a poor sleeping pattern |
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Child has no close friends |
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Child feels hopeless about the future (“no matter how hard I try it will never work out”) |
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* Child cuts on self or deliberately mutilates skin (e.g., burning or scraping and etc.) Call a therapist. |
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* Child makes direct or indirect reference to suicide (e.g., “I wish I hadn’t been born,” “You’d be better off without me.” Call a therapist. |
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None of these items are “normal” for childhood or adolescence. All are indicators of depression or may overlap with a different psychological or medical problem. Any marks in the Pretty Much or Very Much column should get immediate attention. Consider seeing a trained counselor or psychologist for markings of “Just a Little." · Any suicidal ideation whether direct or indirect (even marked “Just a Little”) should be evaluated immediately by a trained counselor or psychologist. · Self-Mutilation should also be referred to a trained counselor or psychologist with a “Just a Little” rating. Depression is a major psychiatric problem that can get worse. It should not be ignored. |
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