Some Difficulties in Assessing Depression and Suicide in Childhood (IN: Suicide in the Young, ed. by H S Sudak et al)

Author looks at the uncertainties in defining & diagnosing nonpsychotic depression prior to adulthood & the theoretical problems & clinical pitfalls in using a descriptive definition. Also reviewed are some personality factors which allow or compel suicidal actions in children especially the manner in which sadomasochistic fixations & early deficiencies in bodily self-love contribute to self-hurting tendencies and the relationship between depression & suicide.