Depressions in Childhood and Adolescence

Depressions in mid-childhood In the current rash of preoccupation with depressive phenomena in infancy, adolescence and adulthood, the middle years of development are often slighted. Depressive manifestations in this group are more frequent than psychiatrists previously realized. Conceptual clarity is lacking concerning depressive responses to losses, physical illnesses and unmet dependency needs.⁴⁴ Although a more structuralized model of mental functioning is then present, some continue to question if the concepts of depression can appropriately be applied to childhood.⁴⁵ Conceptual confusion may be due to the “latent” manifestations of depressions at this age, in which overt symptomatology customarily associated with depressions.