Who is affected by childhood and adolescent depression

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Who is affected by childhood and adolescent depression

Childhood and adolescent depression is a growing problem that often goes unrecognized and untreated. Depression affects young people from all races, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds.¹ Before puberty, depression occurs equally in boys and girls. However, between the ages of 15 and 18, girls are twice as likely to experience depression as boys.² Depression lasts an average of 8 months in children and adolescents. Even with treatment, at least half of those children and adolescents with depression suffer another depression episode.³

Some children and adolescents are at higher risk for developing depression, such as those who:

• Have a family history of depression.
• Are preadolescent boys (younger than 13).
• Are girls in the early stages of puberty.
• Have another health or mental disorder, such as an anxiety disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• Have substance abuse (such as alcohol, drugs, or nicotine) problems.
• Complain of physical symptoms without any physical problems (such as somatization disorder).
• Have been physically or sexually abused.
• Have had a previous episode of depression.
• Have experienced a recent trauma, such as a death in the family or problems with peers.
• Live in a home environment that has family conflict.
• Have a serious or long-term illness, such as diabetes or cancer.
• Are uncertain of their sexual orientation.

References

Citations

1. Depression and suicide in children and adolescents (2000). Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General. Available online: http://www.mentalhealth.org/features/surgeongeneralreport/chapter3/sec5.asp.

2. Brent DA, Birmaher B (2002). Adolescent depression. New England Journal of Medicine, 347(9): 667–671.

3. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (1998). Practice parameters for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with depressive disorders. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 37(10): 63S–83S.

Credits

Last updated:	April 25, 2007
Author:	Lila Havens
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Gisele Ferguson, MD, FRCPC - Psychiatry, Child and Youth Psychiatry
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman