ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS - NEGATIVE AFFECTIVITY AND THE UTILITY OF SELF-REPORTS

Self-reported depression and anxiety were examined in 233 inpatient ch ildren diagnosed with either an anxiety disorder or a depressive disor der. Depressed children reported more problems related to a loss of in terest and low motivation, and they had a more negative view of themse lves. Anxious children reported more worry about the future, their wel l-being, and the reactions of others. The groups did not differ in the degree of depressed affect reported in terms of being sad, lethargic, bothered by things, or feeling alone and isolated. These findings sug gest that a general negative affectivity component is common to both a nxiety and depression disorders and measures. The results demonstrate that anxiety and depression in children have distinguishing features t hat can be measured by common self-report instruments, and the finding s indicate that 1 factor that may distinguish between anxiety and depr ession in children is positive affectivity.