During Depression Screening Day in Uppsala, Sweden, 127 adolescents, 23 boys and 104 girls, in the ages 13-20 years were investigated. We found that 44 (34.6%) fulfilled the criteria for a major depression according to DSM-IV criteria and 42 (40.4%) of the girls and 2 (9.5%) of the boys had an ongoing depression. All depressive symptoms, except increased appetite, were significantly more common in the depressed as compared to the non-depressed adolescents. The most common symptoms were fatigue, decreased interest and concentration difficulties. When the adolescents with major depression were compared to adults with major depression, rated by means of self-rating with the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale, depressions among adolescents and adults were very similar. However, sleep disturbances and decreased initiative were less frequent among the adolescents while decreased appetite was more common. Many of the patients with major depression found had mild symptoms but 21 (44.7%) were regarded being in need for medical treatment.