The recent interest in childhood depression has exacerbated the
confusion about nosology of this disorder. The authors have attempted to
synthesize the latest thinking of several groups working in this area. They
present a point-by-point comparison between the diagnostic criteria of
Cytryn and McKnew, Weinberg, Kovac's CDI, and DSM-III. There is a striking
overlap between these criteria with minor exceptions. This comparison led
the authors to conclude that childhood and adult diagnostic criteria for
affective disorders are very similar, and DSM-III is a valid instrument for
diagnosing childhood affective disorder.Abstract Teaser