What is Pediatric Depression? Childhood and adolescent major
depressive disorder (MDD) is a relatively common mental illness
that often persists into adulthood. Pediatric depression affects
up to two percent of children and five to eight percent of
teens. The spectrum of depression in teens and children may
range from simple sadness to a major depressive disorder. The
choice of treatment is variable upon factors such as age,
symptoms, contextual issues, previous responses to treatment and
the motivation of the family and child. Childhood depression is
evident in earlier and earlier ages and often presents with
comorbid (co-occurring) mental illnesses, increased risk of
suicide, behavioral problems and substance abuse. Children and
teens with depression often have poor scholastic performance,
poor interaction with peers and a turbulent family life. People
can develop depression as the result of life-changing events
like the divorce of parents, death of a friend or family member,
severe illness, remarriage, and