Long-term outcome of depressed children: a follow-up study

Nineteen subjects diagnosed as clinically depressed in childhood were followed up seven to eight years after first presentation. The group was highly symptomatic when originally seen, a large proportion presenting with physical complaints. The outcome at follow-up was variable, but 42 per cent still had moderate or severe disability. This small study emphasises the need for further detailed investigation of the long-term outcome of children with a depressive disorder.