About 5% of children and adolescents in the general population suffer from depressive disorders at any given point in time. Children under stress, those who experience loss, or children who have attention, learning, conduct, or anxiety disorders are at a higher risk for depressive disorders. Depressive disorders cause diminished quality of life and can ultimately affect mortality through increased risk of suicide and acts of violence. This article describes the incidence and prevalence of childhood depressive disorders, reviews the diagnostic criteria for and the symptom manifestations of depressive illnesses, and discusses recommended treatments.
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