Prevention of Depression (IN: Healthy Children 2010: Enhancing Children’s Wellness. Issues in Children’s and Families’ Lives, v.8, ed. R P Weissberg et al)

This chapter discusses the prevention of depression in young people. Symptoms (including suicidal ideation), prevalance rates & consequences of depression in children & adolescents are presented. A discussion of adolescent depression & suicide is included. The author asserts that a clear link between depression & subsequent suicide attempts is apparent in research. Furthermore, risk for attempted suicide increases dramatically when co-occurring symptoms or comorbid disorders are taken into account. Preventive interventions are suggested. (125 refs) (SC)