DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AND SYNDROMES IN ADOL ESCENTS

The present study examined the frequency of self-reported depressive s ymptoms in high school students aged 11 to 19 years using the Revised Ontario Child Health Study Scales. A high percentage of subjects occas ionally experienced some types of depressive symptoms in the last six months. Three levels of diagnostic certainty were generated by varying the severity of depressive symptoms. The frequency of depression for the ''low diagnostic certainty'' was 51.6%, the ''medium diagnostic ce rtainty'' 5.6%, and for the ''high diagnostic certainty'' 0%. Depressi ve symptoms correlated significantly with doctor's visit and life even ts. The implication of the results for clinical practice and research was discussed.