[Depressive disorders in childhood and adolescence].

Childhood depressive disorders are a health risk that need to be taken seriously due to their potential associated complications. A literature search of previously published studies about this subject utilizing PubMed, Psycontent and Psyndex has been performed. The data has been analyzed and the results discussed critically. It becomes apparent that few studies focus on depressive disorders in children and not much consideration is given to possible gender-related differences. Further investigation is needed in regard to epidemiology, symptoms, comorbid factors and duration of these disorders including studying the children's developmental psychopathology. It is especially essential to establish adequate pharmaco- and psychotherapeutic treatments to ameliorate prognosis, progression and persistence of depressive disorders in children.