Childhood Depression: Prevalence Using DSM-III Criteria and Validity of Parent and Child Depression Scales

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Abstract
DSM-III criteria for major affective disorder were used to establish a reliable and valid prevalence estimate for depression among latency-aged children. The prevalence data, based on separate mother/child interviews, were then compared to two additional paper-and-pencil depression scales: the depression scale of the Personality Inventory for Children (PIC-D); and the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI). Results indicated that DSM-III criteria yield a conservative yet valid estimate of childhood depression. Further evidence for the validity of both the PIC-D and CDI scales was obtained, as well as results which supported their use as gross-screening measures of depression.