Two-year outcome of children treated for depression

Fifty-four children and adolescents (age 8-17) were assessed two years after a clinical intervention trial of cognitive-behavioural vs. non-focused treatment for depression. Eleven (20.4%) subjects fulfilled criteria for depression, while 21 (38.9%) reported significant depressive symptoms during the previous year. Seventeen young people (31.5%) had a psychiatric disorder (including depression). Overall, the sample maintained the improvement since the termination of treatment, without detecting specific treatment effects. Presence of depression at two-year follow-up was best predicted by self-esteem ratings before and after treatment, and co-morbidity at post-treatment. Depression in young life carries a high risk of recurrence, despite initial remission. Continuation or preventative treatment for young people at risk of relapse needs development and evaluation.