Depression and depressive disorders

This article reviews what is known regarding depression and depressive disorders during adolescence. Descriptions of adolescent depression, as well as details regarding its prevalence and course are presented. Etiological factors contributing to the onset and maintenance of depression are reviewed, with attention to the ways in which risk factors at multiple ecological levels (e.g., political, family, individual) associate with youth depression. Finally, what is known regarding the prevention and treatment of adolescent depression is discussed, and limitations to the existing literature are highlighted. Throughout, directions for future research are suggested.