Depression in childhood and adolescence. A prospective study of six cases.

Two cases of recurrent major depression, three cases of dysthymic disorder (depressive neurosis), and one of adjustment disorder with depressed mood beginning in childhood or adolescence have been identified in the 133 subjects of the New York Longitudinal Study. The prospective behavioral data from early infancy to early adult life in each of the six cases are summarized. Differences in etiology are emphasized and the implications for treatment indicated. There was no evidence for a separate clinical entity of depression for the childhood period. Review of the longitudinal data did not show a significant earlier life tendency to negative mood temperamentally. The dysthymic and adjustment disorder cases also did not show significant differences in environmental stresses or parental functioning from other clinical cases in the longitudinal study without depressive symptoms.