Trajectories of preschool disorders to full DSM depression at school age and early adolescence: continuity of preschool depression.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Preschool-onset depression, a developmentally adapted form of depression arising between ages 3 and 6, has demonstrated numerous validated features, including characteristic alterations in stress reactivity and brain function. This syndrome is characterized by subthreshold DSM criteria for major depressive disorder, raising questions about its clinical significance. To clarify the utility and public health significance of the preschool-onset depression construct, the authors investigated diagnostic outcomes of preschool children at school age and in adolescence.

Method

In a longitudinal prospective study of preschool children, the authors assessed the likelihood of meeting full criteria for major depressive disorder at age 6 or later as a function of preschool depr

SUBMITTER: Luby JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4103647 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature