Depression is a relatively common health issue in children & adolescents. The core symptoms of depression are the same across age groups but the prominence of characteristic symptoms change with age. The clinical picture of depression according to age level is described in different types of mood disorders & in mental retardation. Over half of the youths with depression have comorbid conditions. Different factors which affect the natural course & risk of suicide are discussed. A comprehensive treatment strategy, psychoeducational, psychotherapeutic & psychopharmacological, is proposed. (56 refs.)