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Prevalence of major depression in preschool children

Edelmira Domènech-Llaberia1, Ferran Viñas, Esther Pla

  • 1Child and Adolescent Psychopathology Research Unit, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus de Bellaterra, Edifici B, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), 08193 Barcelona, Spain. edelmira.domenech@uab.es

European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
|May 1, 2009
PubMed

Insights

This study investigated preschool major depressive disorder (MDD) prevalence in Spain. Community-based research found 1.12% of children aged 3-6 met MDD criteria, contributing to scarce epidemiological data.

Area of Science:

  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Epidemiology
  • Mental Health Research

Background:

  • Preschool major depressive disorder (MDD) epidemiology is under-researched.
  • Understanding community prevalence is crucial for early intervention.
  • Previous pilot studies validated screening tool efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the community prevalence of MDD in preschool-aged children.
  • To analyze prevalence across urban, rural, and suburban settings.
  • To contribute essential data to the limited epidemiology of early-onset depression.

Main Methods:

  • A two-stage community-based study surveyed 1,427 children aged 3-6 in Spain.
  • Stage I utilized the ESDM 3-6 screening tool to identify probable cases.
  • Stage II involved blind clinical interviews using DSM-IV criteria for diagnosis.

Main Results:

  • A total of 1.12% of children met the criteria for MDD.
  • Prevalence rates were 0.87% (urban), 0.88% (rural), and 1.43% (suburban).
  • The sex distribution prevalence was equal (1:1).

Conclusions:

  • The community prevalence of preschool MDD is low but significant.
  • Suburban areas showed a slightly higher prevalence.
  • This research provides vital epidemiological insights into early childhood depression.

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