[Depression in childhood and adolescence]

Depressive syndromes in childhood and adolescence are distinguished by their varied and diverse symptomatology. They often lack the leading symptoms characteristic of the adult depressive state due to the pathoplasticity which accompanies development. Hence, it appears all the more important to achieve pragmatically-orientated nosological approach, with due consideration to pluralistic modes of therapeutic management. An attempt is made to present such a nosological concept on the basis of experience gained in the study of a collective of out-patient juveniles with depressive states.