Focusing on the initial evaluation and treatment of depressive disorders in children and adolescents
10.3760/cma.j.cn113661-20250415-00176
- VernacularTitle:关注儿童青少年抑郁障碍的初始评估和治疗
- Author:
Yinghan TIAN
1
;
Huanzhong LIU
1
Author Information
1. 安徽医科大学第四附属医院，合肥 238000
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Depressive disorder;
Child;
Adolescent;
Initial evaluation;
Initial treatment
- From:
Chinese Journal of Psychiatry
2025;58(11):807-814
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mental health problems in children and adolescents and constitutes a significant risk factor for disability and mortality in this population. Depressive symptoms often present as early manifestations of various childhood psychiatric conditions and may be misdiagnosed as MDD. However, early symptoms of depressive disorder in children and adolescents are frequently atypical, manifesting as personality changes, somatic complaints, or anxiety symptoms, leading to a high rate of misdiagnosis and inapproprate treatment. Familiarity with the clinical features and intervention strategies of MDD in children and adolescents is essential for improving clinicians′ ability to achieve early recognition and initiate appropriate treatment. This review summarizes current research from three perspectives: an overview of MDD in children and adolescents, pre-treatment assessment, and therapeutic strategies, to provide a reference for the clinical diagnosis and treatment.
