Prepubertal depression: diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas.
Childhood depression is underrecognized. Longitudinal studies have found that depression is a chronic and relapsing disorder in children aged 6 years and older. Now there is evidence that a depressive syndrome can occur in preschool children. Defining depressive syndromes in preschool and elementary-school children has been a challenge. Children should be seen in the context of their social environment (ie, family and peer group) and their larger physical and cultural surroundings. A developmental perspective is important in diagnosing psychopathology in children. Evaluation should include a complete medical assessment to rule out underlying medical causes. A structured clinical interview and rating scales are helpful in determining whether a child or adolescent is depressed. Evidence-based treatment guidelines are limited. The diagnosis of depression in young children remains an active area of debate and study. Clearly more research is needed.
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 3440 Market Street, Suite 200, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Roomana M
RM
Sheikh
Elizabeth B
EB
Weller
Ronald A
RA
Weller
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods