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Gender Differences in Teen Depression: How Depression Shows Up in Boys vs. Girls

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There are various differences between how adolescent girls and boys think, behave, and act. But there’s one more difference we can add to the list: Depression. 

For a long time, mental health professionals have understood that the rates of depression in adolescent girls are considerably higher than in adolescent boys. What’s more, this gap can continue throughout the life span if depression is left untreated.1

It’s not just the frequency of depression that is different in adolescent girl and boy depression – it’s also how it shows up and potentially even how it’s caused. Although each teen is unique, which can influence their symptoms of depression, understanding the differences in how depression shows up in boys vs. girls can help you build awareness. 

If you’re concerned about depression in an adolescent girl or boy, support and advice are available. This article can help you better understand gender-specific signs of teenage depression by covering:

  • The gender differences in teen depression
  • Depression symptoms in adolescent boys
  • Depression symptoms in adolescent girls
  • Understanding gender differences in adolescent depression
  • The gender variations in adolescent depression treatment
  • Therapy options for male vs. female adolescent depression
  • When to seek help for depression symptoms in adolescent boys and girls
Gender Differences in Teen Depression

Gender Differences in Teen Depression

It’s well recognized that there are higher rates of depression in females than males. This means that adolescent girls may be more likely to show symptoms of depression than boys – and perhaps also have an earlier age of onset. But why are girls so much more at risk of developing depression than boys?2

There’s a variety of potential reasons for the higher rate of depression in adolescent girls, including the following:

Hormonal Changes

During puberty, adolescent girls may experience long-lasting periods of low mood caused by rapidly shifting hormones. While temporary hormonal mood swings are often a normal part of being a teenager, persistent sadness is not. Plus, as girls typically reach puberty earlier than boys, this means they may show signs of depression at a younger age.3

Menstruation

Shifting hormones during menstruation may also contribute to the symptoms of depression in adolescent girls. The relationship between depression and premenstrual syndrome isn’t entirely clear, but it’s believed to be linked to changes in the hormones estrogen and progesterone, as well as fluctuations in brain chemicals such as serotonin. Additionally, between 5-10% of girls may experience a more severe form of premenstrual syndrome called “Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder” (PDD), which is considered to be a form of depression.4

Biology

There may be genetic differences which contribute to the higher rates of depression in adolescent girls than boys. The exact genes responsible for this difference aren’t completely understood yet, but studies are still ongoing. What’s more, differences in brain structure may also contribute to higher rates of female depression, with girls showing changes to different areas of the brain than boys in depression.2,5

Cultural Factors

There’s a difference between how males and females are treated in different cultures, which could lead to higher rates of depression in adolescent girls. For instance, women are less likely to be given positions of status, are more likely to experience poverty, and may be more vulnerable to abuse. Even if an adolescent girl doesn’t directly experience these imbalances in treatment, they may still witness them, potentially leading to trauma and low self-esteem.6

Because of the gender differences in teen depression and how it might develop, there may also be differences in depression symptoms in boys vs. girls. However, it’s important to bear in mind that these differences are not definite – every teenager is different, so might express depression in unique ways. 

Plus, as there’s likely an overlap between adolescent boys and girls symptoms of depression, it may help to read our article “Common Signs of Depression in Teens.”

Depression Symptoms in Adolescent Boys

According to research and observations, adolescent boys may be more likely to show externalizing, or outward, symptoms of depression than girls.7

These symptoms include: 

  • Loss of “fun” or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities
  • Difficulties sleeping
  • Tiredness and fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Outbursts of anger or aggression

According to research, one of the more common signs of depression in adolescent boys was “anhedonia” – or the inability to feel pleasure in life.7 

Depression Symptoms in Adolescent Girls

In comparison to adolescent boys, girls may be more likely to show internalizing, or inward, signs of depression.  These symptoms include:7

  • Intense feelings of guilt
  • Persistent sadness
  • Feelings of failure
  • Problems concentrating
  • Tiredness
  • Worries about health
  • Hopelessness
  • Body dissatisfaction

Based on research, the most common predictor of depression in adolescent girls is self-blame or guilt.7

While there may be differences in the symptoms of depression between adolescent boys and girls, further understanding these differences can help you or someone you care about determine if you need advice and support for teen depression.

Understanding Gender Differences in Adolescent Depression

Depression is a public health concern, regardless of a teen’s gender or sex. However, awareness of the gender differences in adolescent depression and how it’s expressed can help parents better understand the symptoms and causes of depression in a teen. 

The following are gender differences in how gender shows up in adolescent girls and boys.

Age of Onset

As girls usually reach puberty earlier than boys, adolescent girls may develop depression at an earlier age than boys – resulting in girls being diagnosed more often. The evidence suggests that this gap continues throughout the lifespan.1

Frequency

Although, before they reach adolescence, boys and girls may be equally likely to show signs of depression, once children reach adolescence, a dramatic switch happens. Between the ages of 11 and 15, adolescent girls are twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression than adolescent boys. This stark gap between the genders may come down to biological changes, such as puberty, and the accompanying rapid hormonal shifts that girls experience. Also, girls may be under more pressure to conform to certain societal roles, placing a lot of pressure and stress on them.8

Nature of Emotions

Adolescent girls may be more prone to internalizing their feelings than boys. In depression, directing depressive emotions inwards can look like feelings of sadness, guilt, shame, worthlessness, difficulties concentrating, and dissatisfaction with body image. In contrast, adolescent boys may show more of a lack of motivation, tiredness, and loss of interest in activities.9 

Expressions of Emotion

Depression often looks different in girls than it does in boys. This could come down to the gender roles that males and females are expected to fill as they grow up. For instance, it may be acceptable for women to express vulnerable emotions, however, the case is often not the same for men. For this reason, adolescent girls with depression may express their emotions through outbursts of sadness or tears. However, adolescent boys may either hide their feelings or express themselves through anger and aggression.10

Studies show that these differences in emotional expression might be caused by how depression affects the brains of boys and girls differently, perhaps explaining why girls are more outwardly expressive.5  

Ways of Coping

Another gender difference in adolescent depression involves how boys and girls cope with their feelings of depression. Adolescent girls are more likely to be open about their depression and seek support than men. Again, this could come down to society’s expectations of men and social stigma.11

Unfortunately, although females may be more likely to have thoughts about death, males may be more likely to successfully act on these thoughts. This finding could come down to differences in the chosen methods.12
Depression in teenage girl

Are There Gender Variations in Adolescent Depression Treatment?

Because there are gender differences in the potential causes and symptoms of depression in adolescent boys and girls, there are sometimes gender variations in adolescent depression treatment.13

If you’re concerned about depression in an adolescent girl or boy, a mental health professional will be able to advise you about the best options of treatment depending on a teen’s symptoms. In the meantime, it can help to take the following steps:

1. Learn About the Gender Differences in Teen Depression

Because adolescent boys and girls can display highly varying symptoms of depression, it can help to know how depression can show up in each. For instance, while a girl may show outward signs, like frequently becoming tearful or talking in self-blaming ways, a boy may show more of a lack of interest in activities.

2. Support Them Depending on Their Needs

As adolescent girls with depression might carry a lot of guilt, it may be important to help them become more self-compassionate. You could encourage them to express themselves through journaling, help them create achievable goals, and praise them for their efforts. In contrast, because boys may not be as willing to express themselves, it may help to normalize talking about mental health. For instance, you could speak openly about your own emotions to model healthy ways of sharing. Plus, physical exercise can provide an outlet for frustrations for adolescent boys.

3. Set Boundaries for Social Media

While social media can provide opportunities for connection, it can also be damaging to both adolescent boys and girls’ mental health – especially if they’re already in an emotionally vulnerable place. Social media platforms can promote negative self-image issues, especially in teen girls. It can also further disrupt the sleep of adolescent boys further if they come across triggering content. Try to set social media boundaries by encouraging quality online time over quantity, promoting social media “free” hours, and not allowing screen time before bed. 

While these steps can help you better understand an adolescent boy or girl with depression, it can be very challenging to cope with depression by yourself. Depression can seriously impact a teen’s emotional and physical health, relationships, and prospects for the future – regardless of gender. Advice from a mental health professional is the best way to help a teen overcome the effects of depression, regain control over their life, and build optimism for the future. 

Therapy Options for Male vs. Female Teen Depression Symptoms

Although there are gender differences in teenage depression causes and symptoms, the options for therapy tend to be similar – but how they’re delivered can depend on the person’s needs. 

A mental health professional can talk you or a loved one through the best therapy options for their mental health, including the following choices: 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT can help both adolescent girls and boys with depression identify and understand their negative thoughts. Based on the individual nature of their symptoms, a CBT therapist can help them build healthy ways of coping with emotions and how to transition these skills into the world outside of therapy. 

Interpersonal Therapy

Problems in relationships can contribute to adolescent boys and girls’ depression – even if they express these issues differently. Interpersonal therapy can also help a teen figure out the issues behind behaviors and how to manage these for better mental health. 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Previous experiences, such as trauma, can affect adolescent girls and boys in unique ways. Regardless of symptoms, EMDR can help a teen process trauma in a safe, supportive environment. It changes the way trauma is stored in the brain and helps a teen build more positive self-beliefs and ways of coping with life’s challenges.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

TMS can be effective in treating treatment-resistant depression. It’s a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic fields to activate nerve cells in targeted areas of the brain – improving outlook and mood.

These therapies can be offered as a part of a residential mental health treatment program or outpatient program, depending on a teen’s symptoms and needs. Additionally, a doctor may discuss the option of medication for depression. Adolescent boys and girls may have different responses to certain medications, so it’s good to keep this in mind. Plus, medication works best when accompanied by therapy.14
Boy feeling better after teenage depression treatment

When to Seek Help for Depression Symptoms in Adolescent Boys and Girls

If you’re concerned about depression symptoms in adolescent girls or boys, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. If left untreated, the symptoms of depression can worsen, leading to a variety of possible complications for a teen’s health and well-being – regardless of gender.

It can be difficult to understand how to seek support, but Mission Prep can help. Our team of trained mental health professionals offers comprehensive and individual depression treatment for teens in various locations. We understand how depression can affect the lives of adolescent girls and boys in different ways, so we create personal treatment packages that cater to each teen’s needs. We’re also available 24/7 to answer any question, no matter how small. Contact us today for support and advice.

References

  1. Salk, R. H., Hyde, J. S., & Abramson, L. Y. (2017). Gender Differences in Depression in Representative National Samples: Meta-Analyses of Diagnoses and Symptoms. Psychological Bulletin, 143(8), 783. https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000102
  2. Zhao, L., Han, G., Zhao, Y., Jin, Y., Ge, T., Yang, W., Cui, R., Xu, S., & Li, B. (2020). Gender Differences in Depression: Evidence From Genetics. Frontiers in Genetics, 11, 562316. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2020.562316
  3. Angold, A., & Worthman, C. W. (1993). Puberty onset of gender differences in rates of depression: A developmental, epidemiologic, and neuroendocrine perspective. Journal of Affective Disorders, 29(2-3), 145–158. https://doi.org/10.1016/0165-0327(93)90029-j
  4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine. (n.d.). Menstrually related mood disorders. UNC Center for Women’s Mood Disorders. Retrieved February 26, 2025, from https://www.med.unc.edu/psych/wmd/resources/mood-disorders/menstrually-related/
  5. Mohammadi, S., Seyedmirzaei, H., Salehi, M. A., Jahanshahi, A., Zakavi, S. S., Firouzabadi, F. D., & Yousem, D. M. (2023). Brain-based Sex Differences in Depression: A Systematic Review of Neuroimaging Studies. Brain Imaging and Behavior, 1. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11682-023-00772-8
  6. Van de Velde, S., Bracke, P., & Levecque, K. (2010). Gender differences in depression in 23 European countries: Cross-national variation in the gender gap in depression. Social Science & Medicine, 71(2), 305–313. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2010.03.035
  7. Khesht-Masjedi, M. F., Shokrgozar, S., Abdollahi, E., Golshahi, M., & Sharif-Ghaziani, Z. (2017). Comparing depressive symptoms in teenage boys and girls. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 6(4), 775. https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_129_17
  8. Cyranowski, J. M., Frank, E., Young, E., & Shear, M. K. (2000). Adolescent onset of the gender difference in lifetime rates of major depression: A theoretical model. Archives of General Psychiatry, 57(1), 21–27. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.57.1.21
  9. Gutman, L. M., & McMaster, N. C. (2020). Gendered Pathways of Internalizing Problems from Early Childhood to Adolescence and Associated Adolescent Outcomes. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 48(5), 703. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-020-00623-w
  10. Chaplin, T. M., Gillham, J. E., & P Seligman, M. E. (2009). Gender, Anxiety, and Depressive Symptoms: A Longitudinal Study of Early Adolescents. The Journal of Early Adolescence, 29(2), 307. https://doi.org/10.1177/0272431608320125
  11. Staiger, T., Stiawa, M., Mueller-Stierlin, A. S., Kilian, R., Beschoner, P., Gündel, H., Becker, T., Frasch, K., Panzirsch, M., Schmauß, M., & Krumm, S. (2020). Masculinity and Help-Seeking Among Men With Depression: A Qualitative Study. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11, 599039. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.599039
  12. Hawton, K. (2000). Sex and suicide: Gender differences in suicidal behaviour. British Journal of Psychiatry, 177(6), 484-485. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.177.6.484
  13. Kornstein, S. G. (1997). Gender differences in depression: Implications for treatment. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 58(Suppl 15), 12–18. PMID: 9427872.
  14. Kornstein, S. G., Schatzberg, A. F., Thase, M. E., Yonkers, K. A., McCullough, J. P., Keitner, G. I., Gelenberg, A. J., Davis, S. M., Harrison, W. M., & Keller, M. B. (2000). Gender differences in treatment response to sertraline versus imipramine in chronic depression. American Journal of Psychiatry, 157(9), 1445–1452. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.157.9.1445

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