My oldest is 13 and when he was that age, he did the same thing. He was very bright, loved being around adults and was very positive about everyone else. When it came to himself, we thought of him as "Debbie Downer". "Nobody likes me." "I'm stupid" "just ground me because I'm an idiot" . He was also very argumentative. If you said the sky was blue, he would say, "No. It's blue and white, there are clouds."etc, etc..It got to the point where I would get angry because I felt like I was constantly having to stroke his ego! About two years ago, when he was 11, he was diagnosed with depression. Within a matter of days after starting his meds, it was like someone turned a light on! He was no longer this argumentative, complement seeking, "Debbie "Downer", doom and gloom kid. He was happy and started making friends! It was a life saver and such a major relief not only for us, but for him as well.
I hope this helps but if not, I hope you find your answers, take care.
Thank you for your comments. From all that I'm finding in my research his symptoms certainly seem to be leaning in the direction of depression. Both my husband's and my family have members who have severe depression, so it's not out of the realm of possibility. I have a call into our doctor and am open to him getting evaluated and treated. Your comments make me feel normal. Thank you.-Broken Hearted Mommy
If it is any consolation, our child was diagnosed with depression and severe anxiety at six years of age. Once treatment began, the depression lifted very quickly. It took much longer to deal with the anxiety; however, today she is doing so well. I wish you the best ....