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Published on: June 12, 2020

Clinical profile of depressive disorder in children

P Krishnakumar1, M G Geeta

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Maternal and Child Health, Medical College, Calicut, Kerala, India. krshnakumar@sancharnet.in

Indian Pediatrics
|July 6, 2006
PubMed

Insights

This study found that stress and family mental illness are key risk factors for depressive disorder in children under 12. Common symptoms include loss of interest, fatigue, low self-esteem, and behavioral issues.

Area of Science:

  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Mental Health Research

Background:

  • Depressive disorder in children under 12 presents unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment.
  • Understanding risk factors and clinical presentations is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate risk factors, clinical features, and comorbid disorders of depressive disorder in pre-adolescent children.
  • To identify associations between environmental stressors and family history with childhood depression.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study of children diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, Single Episode (based on DSM-IV criteria) between 2000-2003.
  • Analysis of demographic data, clinical features, and family psychiatric history for 45 children (26 boys, 19 girls).

Main Results:

  • Significant association found between depressive disorder and stress (school and family) and a higher prevalence of mental illness in family members.
  • Key clinical features included diminished interest, fatigue, low self-esteem, concentration problems, somatic complaints, behavioral issues (anger, aggression), academic decline, and suicidal behavior.
  • A majority of children presented with comorbid psychiatric disorders, including dysthymic disorder, anxiety disorders, conduct disorder, and conversion disorder.

Conclusions:

  • Stress and familial psychiatric history are significant risk factors for depressive disorder in young children.
  • Childhood depression manifests with a diverse range of emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and somatic symptoms.
  • High rates of comorbidity underscore the complexity of depressive disorder in this age group and the need for comprehensive assessment.

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