CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENT DEPRESSION - A REVIEW OF THE PAST 10 YEARS .1.

Objective: To qualitatively review the literature of the past decade c overing the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, natural course, bi ology, and other correlates of early-onset major depressive disorder ( MDD) and dysthymic disorder (DD). Method: A computerized search for ar ticles published during the past 10 years was made and selected studie s are presented. Results: Early-onset MDD and DD are frequent, recurre nt, and familiar disorders that tend to continue into adulthood, and t hey are frequently accompanied by other psychiatric disorders. These d isorders are usually associated with poor psychosocial and academic ou tcome and increased risk for substance abuse, bipolar disorder, and su icide. In addition, DD increases the risk for MDD. There is a secular increase in the prevalence of MDD, and it appears that MDD is occurrin g at an earlier age in successive cohorts. Several genetic, familial, demographic, psychosocial, cognitive, and biological correlates of ons et and course of early-onset depression have been identified. Few stud ies, however, have examined the combined effects of these correlates. Conclusions: Considerable advances have been made in our knowledge of early-onset depression. Nevertheless, further research is needed in un derstanding the pathogenesis of childhood mood disorders. Toward this end, studies aimed at elucidating mechanisms and interrelationships am ong the different domains of risk factors are needed.