Depression in adolescents: Evaluating ‘acting out behaviour’ – mad, bad or sad?

Decode ‘acting out’ to reveal underlying depression—and respond with clarity and care.

This training is suitable for:

• Mental Health Professionals: psychotherapists, counsellors, psychologists, social workers.
• Medical Professionals: nurses, psychiatrists, pediatricians, family doctors.
• Educators: teachers, ECE, school administration, support staff.

Client category: Professionals working with individuals 12 years to adulthood.

Level of training: Introductory/Intermediate

CE hours: 6

Depression in adolescents: Overview

Led by Dr. Korenblum, this on-demand training explores depression in adolescents and its connection to acting out behaviour. Depression can be both a contributor to and a symptom of externalizing behaviours in teens. Participants will learn to identify the signs and symptoms of depression, distinguish between normal sadness and clinical disorder, and understand the causes and treatment options for adolescent depression. The training also explains how changes in the teenage brain contribute to risk-taking behaviour and addresses how stigma can act as a barrier to help-seeking. Dr. Korenblum will also share best practices for referring adolescents to psychiatric support.

Learning objectives:

• Understand how changes in the teenage brain account for impulsivity, reward-seeking, and risk-taking in adolescents.
• Appreciate the role of “masked depression” and irritability as contributors to acting out.
• Describe the symptoms, differential diagnosis, causes, and treatment of depression in teens
• Develop an approach to the reduction of stigma and increase in help-seeking in teens.

People often misunderstand or misdiagnose depression in adolescents and acting-out behaviour. This training equips professionals with a comprehensive framework to identify, assess, and treat depression in teens. All while addressing stigma, risk-taking behaviours, and barriers to care.

Register now to gain the clinical insight you need to support early intervention and better outcomes for youth struggling beneath the surface.

Upon registration, participants will receive a confirmation email that includes access information to our on-demand training platform, SickKids Academy Online. Participants will have access for 90 days from the date they begin the course on SickKids Academy Online. Following the training, participants are required to complete a quiz to receive the Certificate of Participation.

This program was originally recorded on July 16, 2025.

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