Updates in the pharmacologic treatment of childhood depression

Depressive disorders are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric age group,(14,42,98) with a prevalence rate of up to 8.3%.(19) (4 2, 58, 59, 77-79, 123) This prevalence is comparable to that for adults(66) and is greater in adolescents than in children. Major depressive disorder (MDD) in children appears to occur at approximately the same rate in girls and boys, with the approximate 2:1 ratio becoming evident in adolescents.(3 9) Depression affects not only the individual concerned but also family and friends, who experience emotional and often financial stress. Mood disorde rs remain the strongest predictors of suicide risk(13) in adolescents, and earlier onset of a mood disorder increases the risk of suicide and suicide attempts.(38,68,105) From a more global perspective, depression causes an e conomic burden, with psychiatric services, medical services, and reduced pr oductivity costing tens of billions of dollars across the life span. With t he increased trend for depression to begin in childhood and adolescence and the profound effect this disorder presents on our youth and our culture, i t is imperative to identify empirically the preferred treatment(s) for this condition. This article is an update on pharmacologic treatments for depre ssion.