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[Evolution of depression in the child and adolescent]
M P Bouvard1, P Paris, M Dugas
1Service de Psychopathologie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Hôpital R. Debré, Paris.
L'Encephale
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Adolescent depression shows high recurrence rates, with over 50% experiencing relapse within four years. Early remission is common, but long-term outcomes require careful monitoring for major depressive episodes and dysthymic disorder.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Mental Health Research
- Longitudinal Studies
Context:
- Adolescent depression is a significant concern with high relapse rates.
- Previous studies show 50-60% recurrence, often accompanied by anxiety disorders.
- Distinguishing adolescent affective states from developmental changes is crucial.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the long-term outcome of major depressive episode (MDE) and dysthymic disorder (DD) in hospitalized adolescents.
- To assess remission, relapse, and recurrence rates over an average four-year follow-up period.
- To compare the course of MDE and DD in this population.
Summary:
- A four-year follow-up study of 75 adolescents hospitalized for MDE or DD found good short-term remission rates (72.7% for MDE, 80.6% for DD).
- Cumulative recurrence probability after four years was 52.9% for MDE and 35.7% for DD.
- Chronic evolution was more common in the dysthymic disorder group.
Impact:
- Findings highlight the chronic nature of adolescent depression and the need for sustained treatment.
- Results emphasize the importance of differentiating adolescent mood disorders from typical developmental changes.
- The study informs clinical practice regarding prognosis and long-term management strategies for adolescent depression.