In a prospective and comprehensive evaluation (including DSM-III
diagnoses) of 1,000 preschoolers in a child development unit, nine children
were found to meet the criteria for major depressive disorder. The symptoms
of these children are described and compared with those of a control group
of children from the same sample. The diagnosis of major depressive
disorder was associated with physical symptoms, including somatic
complaints, and the likelihood of parental abuse or neglect.Abstract Teaser