Depression in children and adolescents is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality [1–3]
and is relatively common, with a prevalence rate of up to 8.3%[4]. Depression is frequently a
chronic disorder in children and adolescents, with relapse and recurrence rates ranging
from 34% to 75% in 5 years of the index episode [5–7]. For many individuals it continues into
adulthood [8]. Because childhood is a relatively short period of intense development,
minimizing the consequences of depression in children and adolescents is essential, and …