[Differential diagnosis of childhood depression]

In the introduction the author summarizes general aspects of classification of depression in childhood, as depression in this age group is not a single nosological unit. The classification takes into account the character of fluctuations of mood and the course of the disease. The difficulties associated with the diagnosis of childhood depression, however do not pertain to the accurate classification of different types of childhood depression but in the first place they concern the correct diagnosis of depression and differentiation from other diagnostic unit--psychiatric and paediatric ones. The latter comprise in particular psychosomatic complaints of different types which in practice cause greatest difficulties when establishing the correct diagnosis of childhood depression. Early diagnosis is essential for optimal therapy of the acute condition as well as with regard to the long-term prognosis of mental health, disease or disorders in adult age.