How can i tell if a a teenager has depression or just extreme hormonal mood swings?

Har to say.: Hard to say. Teen years can be a time of marked anguist. Possible depressive signs/ sxs: isolation, anger, irritability. Poor self esteem, , self-mutilation, drop in grades, opposition, drug or alcohol use, risk -taking, sadness, change in sleep pattern, weight loss or gain & loss of interest in activities are all possible symptoms. Be sure to check for thoughts of suicide. Eval may be best option.