Depressive Disorders in Preadolescent Children

Researchers from multiple institutions in Canada conducted a nationwide, prospective study to identify preadolescent children who were newly diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). For the study, 2,500 pediatricians in the Canadian Pediatric Surveillance Program (CPSP) were surveyed monthly over 3 years to report new cases of MDD, as defined by DSM-IV, among children aged 5–12 years. To meet diagnostic criteria for MDD, children had to have depressive symptoms or markedly diminished interest or pleasure in most activities almost daily and for most of the day, and impairment in at least 4 of 7 functional domains (ie, significant weight change, insomnia, psychomotor agitation or retardation, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, diminished ability to concentrate, and recurrent thoughts of death). Children whose symptoms were related to substance use, were due to acute bereavement, or who had a previous diagnosis of a bipolar disorder were excluded. For each child with MDD identified, the physician was asked to complete a case report that included the patient’s demographic data, clinical characteristics and treatment, presence of medical or psychiatric comorbidities, and family history of mental illness in a first-degree relative. During the study period, 29 children met study criteria for having newly identified MDD. Among the 29 participants with confirmed MDD, median age was 11.1 years (range, 7.3–12.9), 55% were boys, and 23 (79%) h...
Source: AAP Grand Rounds - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: General Pediatrics Source Type: research