by Perlea, Victor ¹, Mayer, Gwendolyn ¹

• ¹ Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg

This is the abridged version, for the extended version click here
The introduction and overview can be found here

Disclaimer:We have compiled this information to the best of our knowledge based on current scientific literature (as of May 2026). However, we do not provide diagnosis or treatment recommendations. If you notice any mental health concerns in yourself or in a child or adolescent in your care, please consult a medical doctor.

Diagnostic criteria

Depressive disorders are characterised by persistent depressed or irritable mood and/or markedly reduced interest or pleasure for at least two weeks, together with symptoms such as sleep or appetite change, low energy, poor concentration, guilt, and suicidal thoughts. Symptoms must cause clinically significant distress or impairment and not be due to substances, medical illness, or bereavement alone. Children often show more somatic complaints and irritability, while adolescents more often show low mood, anhedonia, cognitive distortions, and increased suicidality (APA, 2013; Patel et al., 2016).

Prevention measures

· Universal prevention includes teaching stress management, problem solving, relaxation, and psychoeducation in school settings (Patel et al., 2016; Schulte-Körne, 2018).
· Selected prevention targets high-risk groups, especially children of depressed parents, by improving parent-child interaction and reducing family stress. Targeted interventions should be used for youth with subclinical symptoms or elevated vulnerability (Schulte-Körne, 2018).

Risk factors

· Family history of depression or bipolar disorder, prior depressive episodes or anxiety, chronic illness, abuse, bullying, and loss as well as minority stress, discrimination, academic or social stressors, ADHD, and substance use (Ernstmayer et al., 2022, Schulte-Körne, 2018).

Treatment approaches

· Psychotherapy is first-line and can be delivered individually, in groups, or with family involvement. · Physical activity can be used as a complementary intervention (Schulte-Körne, 2023).
· SSRIs may be considered in some adolescents with careful monitoring of suicidality and side effects (Hetrick et al., 2021; Schulte-Körne et al., 2023). In moderate to severe or recurrent depression, combined psychotherapy and medication may be more effective than either alone (Dolle & Schulte-Körne, 2013).

References for this article are here