Depression in Childhood: Diagnosis

Depression is a clinical syndrome characterized by negative emotions and associated cognitive and physical symptoms. Cumulative prevalence of major depression before the end of adolescence is 12% to 28%. This entry starts by describing Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) criteria for the diagnosis of depressive disorders. It then discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using such a categorical system to assign a diagnosis of depression. It finishes by describing instruments that can be used to make a diagnosis.

Diagnostic Criteria for the Depressions

The DSM describes two main depressive disorders: (1) major depressive disorder (MDD) and (2) persistent depressive disorder (also known as dysthymia). For a diagnosis of MDD, a patient must have at least five depressive symptoms, of which at least one must ...

  • Loading...
locked icon

Sign in to access this content

Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL

  • Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life
  • Read modern, diverse business cases
  • Explore hundreds of books and reference titles