Prevalence Of And Risk Factors For Depression Among Children And Adolescents In City Of China

Objective: To determine the epidemiology, risk factors associated with depression among children and adolecents in a large population-based sample of children and adolescents in Chengdu city of China, to provide with theoretical and practical foundationto establishment of diagnostic criteria and earlier prevention of childhood and juvenile depressionMethod: Using a one-phase design, 4585 children and adolecents in grades 1-10 were assessed using the Development and Weil-Being Assessment (DAWBA), a structured interview with verbatim reports reviewed by clinicians so that information from parents, teachers, and children was combined in a manner that emulated the clinical process. We assigned final diagnoses according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM-IV). In addition, students above grade 6 have finished Adolescent Self-Rating Life Events Check List. The authors analyzed epidemiology and biochemical and psychosocial factors associated with depression among children and adolescents.