The Relative Lack Of Attention To Depression In Young Children: A \u27Sad\u27 State Of Affairs

Historically, psychoanalytic theories suggest that it is not possible for children to be depressed. Today, using criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (APA, 2000), children and adolescents can be diagnosed with depression. Further, developmentally appropriate modifications of these criteria are being described and validated for use in young children (Luby, Heffelfinger, Mrakotsky, et al., 2002). When age-appropriate symptom states are assessed, it becomes clear that young children who are between the ages of 3- and 6-years can experience stable and specific depressive syndromes (Luby, 2007). Even with these advances, however, relatively little attention is paid to the diagnosis of depression in young children, particularly in comparison to the occurrence of disruptive behavior disorders in young children (e.g., externalizing disorders and conduct problems often are cited as the most common reason for preschool referrals for mental health services; Luby & Morgan, 1997; Renk, 2005). As a result, this chapter intends to draw attention to the occurrence of depression in young children by discussing the criteria of available diagnostic systems, other considerations that may be helpful to mental health professionals, and available assessment measures and treatment interventions