Depression in children.

The field of child and adolescent affective disorders is relatively new and very challenging for research and clinical practice. A definite clinical entity of depression exists in significant numbers of children and adolescents. Signs and symptoms are different from those seen in adults and vary with different age levels. The syndrome must be recognized as early as possible to prevent a chronic illness from developing. Depression can cause serious difficulty in academic life because of its effects on concentration. Depression can affect relations with peers and, if acting out behavior ensues, can lead to serious delinquent behavior, sexual promiscuity, pregnancy, and substance abuse. Depression can also lead to suicide. Depression is often the common denominator in delinquency, promiscuity, teen pregnancy, to say nothing of alcohol and drug abuse. Adolescents often find substances on the street to "medicate" their own depression. When depression in children and adolescents is not properly identified, evaluated, and treated, it can lead to lifelong depression, antisocial behavior, and substance abuse. When depressed children receive appropriate therapy, the results can be rewarding. As one patient commented, "Every day was cloudy and gray. It always rained. Now I see some sun coming out."