[Depressive disorders and conduct disorders in childhood and adolescence. Prevalence, course, and risk factors]

Mental disorders belong to the most frequent disorders in the community and lead to noticeable functional impairments. The lifetime prevalence of clinical depression (ICD-10 diagnoses F33, F34) up to age 25 is 12.7%, showing a female-male ratio of 2:1. From adolescence onwards, persistence rates of depressive disorders are comparably as high as those found in externalizing disorders. Subclinical depression (ICD-10 subthreshold disorders) at ages 8 and 13 increases the risk for later clinically relevant mental disorders. Conduct disorders (ICD-10 diagnoses F91, F92) are the most frequent mental disorders in children and adolescents with lifetime prevalence rates of 22.4% up to age 25. Conduct disorders show unfavorable courses beginning at preschool age. Precursors of later disorders can be detected as early as toddlerhood. Adverse family factors in childhood and early externalizing problems of the child were most predictive for later conduct disorders. Therefore, the need for early prevention of conduct disorders is highlighted. The focus should be on families with low socioeconomic status (objective: strengthening family and child resources). For depressive disorders, we recommend testing and evaluating the indicated prevention programs in adolescence (objective: strengthening the resources of the adolescent).