Depression in children is characterised by sad or irritable mood, anhedonia, decreased capacity to have fun, decreased self-esteem, sleep disturbance, social withdrawal or impaired social relationships, and impaired school performance.
It is one of the most common paediatric psychiatric disorders, especially among girls during adolescence.
David A. Brent, Endowed Chair in Suicide Studies, Professor of Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Epidemiology, and Clinical and Translational Science, University of Pittsburgh, gives us an overview of the condition.
For more on depression in children, visit BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/785
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