The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has updated its Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including with new information specifically addressed to individuals in the European Economic Area. As described in the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, this website utilizes cookies, including for the purpose of offering an optimal online experience and services tailored to your preferences.

Please read the entire Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. By closing this message, browsing this website, continuing the navigation, or otherwise continuing to use the APA's websites, you confirm that you understand and accept the terms of the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including the utilization of cookies.

×
No Access

Assessment of depression in childhood and adolescence: an evaluation of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC)

Published Online:https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.143.8.1024

Psychometric characteristics of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC) were evaluated with 148 child and adolescent psychiatric inpatients. Test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and concurrent validity were adequate. Principal components analysis identified three distinct factors: behavioral and cognitive components of depression and a happiness dimension. However, subsequent factor scores and CES-DC total scores were unable to discriminate DSM-III diagnoses, including depressive and nondepressive categories. The CES-DC showed poor reliability and validity in the children alone but had good psychometric properties for the adolescents. More validational research is required before standard clinical use can be recommended.

Access content

To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.