Is this typical for a teen with major depression?

[ihatedoingthis]

Constant need for shoplifting, uncontrolable angry outbursts, makes threats/bullies/intimidates people, physically hurts people and always thinks they deserve it, at times feels empty, can be very sweet and thoughtful, and other times can be very obnoxious and annoying when happy? very good at making friends, desires to make friends, but pushes them away if they get close or do something wrong?

everybody tells my friend that this is normal for someone with depression...?

any feedback you have would be helpful :)

[soehler]

It sounds like your daughter has Bipolar Disorder.  Without additional information it is difficult for me to say if she has Bipolar Disorder I or II. She should be evaluated by a psychiatrist who can then prescribe an appropriate mood stabilizer if she does in fact have Bipolar Disorder.  While teenagers do often exhibit impulsive behaviors (i.e., shoplifting), the mood swings you are describing sound more characteristic of an individual cycling between manic (or hypomanic) and depressive episodes.  With regard to a personality disorder, it is uncommon for an individual to receive this type of diagnosis prior to age 18 due to the fact that personality is still developing during the teenage years.  Best of luck to you, your daughter, and your family!

[ihatedoingthis]

thanks...but what do I do though if let's say I think she does :/

[azalea82]

Does not sound quite right.  Although it is possible to have major depression and borderline personality disorder (as jdtm mentioned).  Perhaps you could do a google search of borderline personality disorder and see if you think it is similar to your friend.    

[ihatedoingthis]

no, it's strictly an adolescent psychiatrist who claims it to be "adgitated major depression" ....I dunno is it just me or does that not sound right?!? 0_o

[azalea82]

Is the psychiatrist an adult psychiatrist or child and adolescent psychiatrist?  IMHO, an adult psychiatrist *might* think this is normal teen behavior.  However, a child and adolescent psychiatrist who has experience treating teens with major depression will be better able to evaluate for a personality disorder.

[ihatedoingthis]

thanks for responding :)

no the psychiatrists and therapists (she's been to a few now) are pretty convinced it's major depression and that it's typical because she's just a teenager. i don't know what i can do to help her because obviously she needs it badly!

[jdtm]

No, this does not sound like depression - perhaps borderline personality disorder?  The above poster is correct - an evaluation by a psychiatrist would be of benefit.

[azalea82]

Sounds like something more than major depression to me.  Perhaps an evaluation by a an adolescent psychiatrist would be of benefit.