Adolescent self-rated depressive symptoms in a Swiss epidemiological study

The correlates of self-rated depressive symptoms were examined in an epidem iological sample of Swiss adolescents. Subjects, aged 12 to 17 years, were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, a L ife Event Scale, scales measuring self-related cognitions, coping capacitie s, perceived parental behavior school environment, and social network. Base d on the distribution of the depression scores, 3 subsamples of nondepresse d moderately depressed and severely depressed subjects were formed. The sev erely depressed group was clearly differentiated from the other two groups by almost all scales, with a special relevance of negative self-esteem and the impact of life events. The results of this epidemiological study indica te that various factors reflecting personality, life-events, and the psycho social environment relate to adolescent depression.