Adolescent Depression: Prevalence in Swedish High-School Students

A total population of high-school students aged 16-17 years in a Swedish town was screened for depression & previous suicide attempts, & 2300 students (93.3%) participated. Those with high depresseion scores (12.3%) & previous suicide attempts (2.4%), as well as controls matched for gender & education were interviewed for diagnosis, & 88.8% participated. The 1-year prevalence of major depression was 5.8% & the lifetime prevalence was 11.4%, with 4 girls being represented for every boy. A depression lasting for at least one year was the most common type. Dysthymia was found in 2%. Short hypomanic episodes were present in 13.2% of those with a lifetime diagnosis of major depression. (60 refs.)