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Assessing Depression in Childhood and Adolescence: A Guide for Social Work Practice

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Abstract

Depression is relatively common in children and adolescents, and if left undetected and untreated, can have long-term negative consequences. Social workers providing services to families, children and adolescents need to understand the characteristics, and conduct developmentally appropriate assessments, of depressive symptoms. This paper provides a review of current literature related to the definition, prevalence, co-occurrence, and measurement of depression in childhood and adolescence. It also highlights relevant gender, race, and ethnic influences.

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Allen-Meares, P., Colarossi, L., Oyserman, D. et al. Assessing Depression in Childhood and Adolescence: A Guide for Social Work Practice. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal 20, 5–20 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021411318609

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