The frequency of depressive symptoms was compared in four
psychiatrically referred populations: preschool (N = 9) and prepubertal (N
= 95) children, adolescents (N = 92), and adults (N = 100). All had been
systematically interviewed and diagnosed according to very similar
criteria. Symptoms of depressed mood, diminished concentration, insomnia,
and suicidal ideation occurred with similar frequencies across this
developmental span. Anhedonia, diurnal variation, hopelessness, psychomotor
retardation, and delusions increased with age; depressed appearance, low
self-esteem, and somatic complaints decreased with age. The authors
conclude that age modifies symptom frequency but does not alter basic
phenomenology.
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