Mood disorders in children and adolescents.

A review of the literature on depression and mood disorders in children and adolescents reveals a rapidly expanding and controversial field of study. The author highlights current understanding as well as disputed issues in three areas: children's responses to separation and loss, depressive disorders in children and adolescents, and bipolar disorders in childhood and youth. He suggests that a psychodynamic-developmental perspective offers the optimal approach to a more complete understanding of these disorders.