High-functioning depression (HFD) is not technically a clinical diagnosis, so there is no one standard of diagnostic criteria. This form of depression is a loose collection of persistent symptoms that doctors don’t believe are severe enough to fall under clinical depression. However, those with high functioning depression can struggle to get through their lives and can experience severe internal symptoms that they learned to push down. The severity of mood disturbance in a high functioning depressed person is challenging to assess. If you suspect your teen is suffering from this type of depression, our team at Venture Academy can help.
At Venture Academy, we have years of experience helping teens with all types of depression learn how to manage their symptoms and enjoy their lives. Learn more about our depression treatment for teens from our team today by calling 866.762.2211 or completing our online form.
What Exactly Is High Functioning Depression?
Someone with high-functioning depression might have symptoms of clinical depression such as low mood or lack of motivation, but symptoms present mildly enough that it can be challenging to spot them. If a person follows up on their daily obligations and rarely discloses emotional problems to others, others may see them as normal.
This is especially true if the high-functioning depression has gone unchecked for an extended period. Hence, people view low energy as a part of a person’s personality. Since high-functioning depression can start as early as childhood, a teen may have struggled with this condition for years without their loved ones realizing it. Some key characteristics of high-functioning depression include:
- It is usually long-term and persistent over time
- Doesn’t present with extreme lows seen in other types of depression
- People with HFD generally don’t ask for help from others
- People with HFD usually don’t readily disclose feelings such as discomfort, hurt feelings, disappointment
- Many times they can be perfectionists and overachievers
- They tend to keep going and not complain too much and will often tell others they are okay when asked
Symptoms of High-Functioning Depression
Individuals in any age group may be depressed while high functioning. The depressed person may always smile, make a conscious effort to conceal it, or appear with a flat mood and be generally joyless.
Common signs of high functioning depression can overlap with symptoms of other types of depression. These symptoms often fit a clinical diagnosis, so it’s vital to get a professional assessment to rule them out.
Some signs you may see in your teen include:
- Physical complaints, such as aches and pains
- Restlessness
- Irritability or anger
- Change in appetite or weight
- Comments suggesting hopelessness
- Less involvement in activities that they previously enjoyed
- Isolating from others
Generally, the common triggers behind high functioning depression are the same for other types of depression.
Potential causes of high-functioning depression include:
- Inherited genetic predisposition for depression
- Medical issues
- Relationship conflict
- Substance abuse
- High stress from the demands placed by work, home, or school
History of trauma
Sometimes there is no determined cause behind a person’s depression, but it still requires treatment. No matter the cause of depression, a comprehensive program that emphasises therapy sessions is often the best course of action to get teens back on track.
Help Your Teen Find Relief from High-Functioning Depression at Venture Academy
High-functioning depression can be hard to spot, but symptoms usually respond to professional treatment. Treatment can consist of lifestyle changes, behavioral and solution-focused therapies, and in some cases, medication. With your family’s input, our facility can help you develop the right treatment program fr your teen’s high functioning depression. Contact us today online or call 866.762.2211 for more detailed information about treatment programs for teen depression.
