StatPearls, LLC

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Depressive Disorder
  • Major Depressive Disorder

Depression in Children

Pediatric depression includes major depressive disorder (MDD), disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and unspecified depressive disorder. Among these, MDD is a leading cause of disability in adolescents in this age group. The etiology is multifactorial, involving genetic, environmental, and neurobiological risk factors that contribute to depression in children and adolescents. Screening is recommended for adolescents aged 12 to 18 with validated tools, and a comprehensive evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis. Diagnosis requires a thorough clinical evaluation and differentiation from other conditions, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, and medical illnesses that mimic depressive symptoms. Treatment aims for complete remission and functional recovery through a biopsychosocial approach, combining psychotherapy (first-line for mild-to-moderate cases) and pharmacotherapy. Prevention strategies encompass school-based programs, family interventions, and policy initiatives designed to support healthy development. This activity focuses on the latest evidence-based strategies for identifying, diagnosing, and managing pediatric depression, with an emphasis on early intervention and improving long-term outcomes. This activity highlights the role of validated screening tools, structured clinical interviews, and standardized assessment scales in enhancing diagnostic accuracy across various care settings. This activity also explores established and emerging treatment modalities, including pharmacologic interventions, digital health tools, and single-session therapies, providing clinicians with practical approaches to individualized care. This activity further examines novel research findings that inform prevention strategies aimed at reducing the incidence and severity of depressive disorders in youth. This activity highlights the importance of interprofessional collaboration among healthcare providers in…

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.

Credit types

IPCE CreditsUp to 1.5 creditsAAPA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsAMA PRA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsNursingUp to 1.5 creditsPharmacyUp to 1.5 creditsSocial WorkUp to 1.5 credits

MOC types

ABS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABPATH — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABIM — Medical KnowledgeUp to 1.5 pointsABS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABP — Lifelong Learning and Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 points

FDA REMS

No

Qualifies for MIPS

No

Target Specialties

Cross-Specialty

Relevant across 6 specialties.

Pricing

Fee varies

This provider typically $49–98

See fees on statpearls.com

Listed by the provider

  • Article / monograph / reference
  • Credit · Up to 1.5 credits
  • MOC · Up to 1.5 points
  • Fee varies · this provider typically $49–98
  • Released
    Sep 1, 2026
  • Last day to claim credit
    Sep 1, 2029 3 years left