Disorders of mood and anxiety in adolescents

Mood disorders and anxiety disorders contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality during adolescence. These disorders often persist or recur in adulthood. Clinical presentations in the primary care setting are myriad and often confusing. Early recognition, differentiation from physical and other psychiatric disorders, and accurate diagnosis lead to more appropriate treatment and improved outcome. Collaboration among primary care providers and mental health professionals is key to reducing the suffering from these disorders for adolescents and their families.