Depression
Children with depression often first present with symptoms in the primary care setting. Because the clinical presentation in children can vary from the classic melancholy presentation that characterizes adult depression, symptoms often go unrecognized or misdiagnosed. Depression can be a debilitating disorder that impairs a child's functioning at school and home. Recurrence of a depressive episode and persistent symptoms are common, and therefore, impairment can continue into adulthood, affecting the child's trajectory. This chapter describes signs and symptoms of depression, along with risk and protective factors. It goes on to discuss making a diagnosis within a primary care setting, determining treatment options, and evaluating the need for specialty care.
