[Depression in childhood and adolescence: clinical features].
OBJECTIVE
This study reviews clinical features, evolution, comorbidity and suicidal behavior in childhood and adolescence depression. Its objective is to provide clear information on this common, severe and not very easily recognized pathology.


METHODS
Literature searches were performed through Medline (1991-2000), with secondary-source follow-up.


RESULTS
Scientific concern about depression in childhood and adolescence is recent and up to the 70s depression was considered rare or nonexistent in this period. Current diagnostic systems define as basic features of depression in children and adolescents are the same ones found in adults for major depression episodes; however, researches emphasize the significance of the developmental process in the clinical manifestations, with predominant features in each phase.


CONCLUSIONS
Nowadays, major depression in children and adolescents is understood to be a common, disabling and recurrent disease, with a high level of morbidity and mortality. It is an important public health problem.
Bahls
Saint-Clair
SC
Psicologia da Infância e Adolescência, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR. scbahls@uol.com.br