Manifestations of depressive affect in adolescence

This paper discusses the manifestations and correlates of depressive affect disorders in adolescents. It begins with some definitions and a discussion of the concept (from adult psychiatry) of depression and depressive disorders. The clinical picture of depressive disorders in adults is described, and the interrelationship is considered between them and the depressive disorders of adolescents and prepubertal children. Data are discussed regarding the external validity of adolescent depressive disorders (including their familial and biological correlates, their course and treatment outcome). Finally, the relevance of these data is summarized with regard to the process of establishing a diagnosis of a depressive disorder in adolescents.Received M.D. from Washington University. Research interests are the diagnosis and assessment of childhood psychopathology, especially Attention Deficit Disorder and Depressive Disorders.Received Ph. D. from UCLA. Research interests are language and learning disorders and childhood psychopathology.