Aggressive behavior in clinically depressed adolescents.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of aggressive behavior in adolescent inpatients and outpatients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Differences between males and females in prevalence and type of aggression, and level of parent-child agreement in report of aggression, were analyzed.

METHOD: Participants were 74 adolescents with MDD, aged 13 to 17 years. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders was used to identify MDD. Adolescents' aggressive behavior was assessed using an adapted version of the Brown-Goodwin Assessment for Lifetime History of Aggression; the Measure of Aggression, Violence, and Rage in Children; and the Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory-Adapted Version.

RESULTS

Results indicate high levels of aggressive behavior in adolescents with MDD. Amount and type of aggression did not differ by gender. Results indicate poor correspondence between parent and adolescent reports of aggression, which was most marked for females.

CONCLUSIONS

Aggressive behaviors are highly prevalent in depressed youths, with similar types and levels evident in males and females. Parents tend to under-report and may not be cognizant of aggressive behavior that occurs outside the home, particularly for females.