Childhood depression: Between conceptual ambiguity and clinical definition

Abstract

Interest in the study of childhood depression from various perspectives within clinical psychology has grown dramatically in recent years. Evidence of this can be seen in the increasing number of publications and scientific meetings addressing the topic, both in Spain and other countries. At the same time, childhood depression has been one of the areas in psychopathology generating the most controversy among different schools of thought. In fact, the long-sought agreement on its appropriate conceptual framework and the criteria for diagnosis has not yet been fully achieved. This article analyzes, albeit in a limited manner, this problematic issue. Furthermore, given that several university research teams in Spain are currently working primarily in this field (including the team at the University of Seville formed by the author of this paper and Professor Párraga) it is reasonable to expect that in the near future, new data will help clarify unresolved questions surrounding these disorders.