OBJECTIVE: This project was designed to provide prospective data on the clinical presentation and longitudinal course of depression in children and adolescents. METHOD: Children and their parent(s) completed a structured diagnostic interview (Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Age Children) at intake, and then yearly for 3 years. Collateral data were collected on school, social, and family functioning. RESULTS: Mean length of initial depressive episode was 35.6 weeks, SD of 26 weeks. Of the 65 depressed youths who completed the 3-year follow-up, 35 (54%) disclosed another episode of depression. Demographic, family-environment, and diagnostic variables were explored as predictors of characteristics of initial episode, recurrence of depression, and psychosocial competence at follow-up. Female gender and presence of a coexisting anxiety disorder were significantly related to severity of initial depression. Family environment was the only predictor significantly related to overall psychosocial competence over 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: The findings confirm depression in youth as a valid clinical phenomenon, with substantial risk of recurrence. Increased levels of stress in the family environment were associated with poorer overall outcomes.
OBJECTIVE: This project was designed to provide prospective data on the clinical presentation and longitudinal course of depression in children and adolescents. METHOD:Children and their parent(s) completed a structured diagnostic interview (Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Age Children) at intake, and then yearly for 3 years. Collateral data were collected on school, social, and family functioning. RESULTS: Mean length of initial depressive episode was 35.6 weeks, SD of 26 weeks. Of the 65 depressed youths who completed the 3-year follow-up, 35 (54%) disclosed another episode of depression. Demographic, family-environment, and diagnostic variables were explored as predictors of characteristics of initial episode, recurrence of depression, and psychosocial competence at follow-up. Female gender and presence of a coexisting anxiety disorder were significantly related to severity of initial depression. Family environment was the only predictor significantly related to overall psychosocial competence over 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: The findings confirm depression in youth as a valid clinical phenomenon, with substantial risk of recurrence. Increased levels of stress in the family environment were associated with poorer overall outcomes.
Authors: Susan D Phillips; Teresa L Kramer; Scott N Compton; Barbara J Burns; James M Robbins Journal: J Behav Health Serv Res Date: 2003 Jan-Feb Impact factor: 1.505
Authors: Douglas G Kondo; Young-Hoon Sung; Tracy L Hellem; Kristen K Fiedler; Xianfeng Shi; Eun-Kee Jeong; Perry F Renshaw Journal: J Affect Disord Date: 2011-08-09 Impact factor: 4.839
Authors: Jess G Fiedorowicz; Jean Endicott; Andrew C Leon; David A Solomon; Martin B Keller; William H Coryell Journal: Am J Psychiatry Date: 2010-11-15 Impact factor: 18.112
Authors: Charles W Mueller; Ryan Tolman; Charmaine K Higa-McMillan; Eric L Daleiden Journal: J Behav Health Serv Res Date: 2009-03-10 Impact factor: 1.505