Depression and depressive-like states in preschool-age children in a child development unit

Abstract

A sample of 100 preschool-age children referred to a child development unit were evaluated using DSM-III [Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-III] criteria for symptoms of depression. Only 4 children (4%) received a diagnosis of possible or definite depression; 1 of the 4 children definitely had major depressive disorder. That prevalence rate is much lower than that reported for older children. Either major depressive disorder is rare among preschoolers or DSM-III criteria are not suitable for diagnosing affective disorders among preschoolers.