A narrative review of major depressive disorder in children and adolescents

Major depressive disorder is a substantial health problem that affects people of all ages. Researchers have estimated that 2-6% of children and adolescents in the community suffer from depression. Major depressive disorder in children and adolescents is a chronic and relapsing condition, which does not remits spontaneously. A major proportion of depression in children and adolescents remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. Children with depression cannot just snap out of it on their own. If left untreated, depression in children and adolescents canin lead to school failure, conduct disorder, anorexia and bulimia, school phobia, panic attacks, substance abuse, or even suicide. Depression in adolescents substantially heightens the risk of suicide. Hence, there is a need to identify and treat the same at the earliest to reduce its long-term negative consequences.