A descriptive profile of the depressed child

We have identified a number of basic descriptive features common to the prepubertal child (aged 6-12) who meets criteria for an objectively defined mood disorder in the inpatient psychiatric setting. Clinical and structured diagnostic interviews conducted with both the child and the parent revealed that DSM-III criteria for major adult mood disorders were easily met by the depressed children. The symptom profile for the child is similar to the adult profile: feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and despair; depressed mood; vegetative symptoms of low energy, appetite loss, and disturbed sleep; and quite frequently suicidal ideation and/or action. Noteworthy is the fact that most of the parents did not bring their children to the setting reporting that they (either themselves or the child) were depressed. The parent was most likely to focus on the change in school performance and on relationships with siblings or other family members (withdrawal, more fighting and irritability, anhedonia, etc.). In sum, our findings indicate that children with MDD tend to have family histories of psychiatric disorder, school problems, and psychosocial adjustment problems. We have also found IMI to be effective in treating the disorder (e.g., Hughes & Preskorn 1989; Preskorn et al. 1982, 1986, 1987). Thus, early diagnosis and effective treatment are possible. This conclusion raises the possibility that steps can be taken to prevent (or at least interrupt) the long-term sequelae (e.g., chronic dysthymia, impaired self-image, impaired psychosocial adjustment) of untreated depressive episodes in prepubertal children.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)