Mood disorders in children and adolescents

Mood disorders are chronic, often debilitating illnesses that affect people of all ages. In children and adolescents, these disorders can be particularly difficult to address, as presentation, diagnosis, and treatment are often complicated and outcomes are uncertain. There are many proposed etiologies for the development of these disorders, including biological and psychosocial factors. Although research on treatment of depression in children and in adolescents lags behind that in adults, some evidence has emerged to support the use of validated treatments for mood disorders in youth. Research is needed to better understand the developmental etiology and mechanisms in pediatric mood disorders, which will guide advancement in pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic treatment for children and adolescents suffering from mood disorders.