SHOULD DEPRESSION IN YOUNG SCHOOLCHILDREN BE DIAGNOSED WITH DIFFERENTCRITERIA

In a two-stage epidemiological study 5686 randomly selected 8 to 9-yea r-old children were screened using the CDI (Children's Depression Inve ntory), of whom 418 were questioned with the DISC-C1 (Diagnostic Inter view Schedule for Children). According to DSM-III criteria the prevale nce of MDD (Major Depressive Disorders) was 0.48% and of DD (Dysthymic Disorder) 0.06%. The prevalence rates did not change when DSM-III-R a nd DSM-IV criteria were employed. Fifteen children reported suicidal t houghts but according to DSM-III criteria only 1 of these children was depressed, Duration and frequency of depressive symptoms are essentia l for making a diagnosis of depressive disorder by the DSM-III, but ch ildren's reliability in reporting them is question able. Omitting the duration and frequency of symptoms from the DSM-III criteria raised th e prevalence of MDD to 4.0% and of DD to 2.2%. Eight of the children w ith suicidal thoughts were depressed. By the adapted DSM-III-R and DSM -IV criteria the prevalence rate of MDD was 4.0% and of DD 9.7%.