[Depression in the child].

Since Spitz's description of anaclitic depression in 1945, it has been widely recognized that children, even very young, suffer from depression. Recent research suggests that depression persists during the developmental stages and depressed children are more likely to become depressed adults than their peers. This underlines the importance of diagnosing and treating depression at a young age. Pediatricians should be fully aware of the signs and symptoms of depression as they are first in line to identify and prevent it. This article covers clinical description of depression in infants and young children, as well as its etiology and treatment.