Parental abuse as a precursor to childhood onset depression and suicidality.

Child guidance clinic cases were reviewed for abuse history, diagnosis, depressive symptoms, and suicidality. Many depressed abused children were found to have been previously diagnosed exclusively with conduct-related versus affect disorders. The results suggested that abused children are at specific risk of developing depression and suicidality and that a subgroup of those with early-onset depression may have acquired the disorder concurrent with parental abuse.