2).
Some child psychologists and social workers would prefer that the DSM include a separate section exclusively dedicated to the topic of child depression. However, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) has chosen not to use such a format. Instead, the APA has chosen to offer modifications of the guidelines used to diagnose depression in adults. Detractors of such an approach suggest that this format is awkward at best and confusing at worst since depression can manifest itself differently depending on both age and developmental stages. Those who accept the DSM's approach promote its adequacy since "the core symptoms of a major depressive episode are the same for children and adults" (Ingersoll, 1995, p. 5).
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DMV IV) (4th ed., 1994) divides depressive disorders or mood disorders into a variety of types. Children most commonly experience major depression and dysthymia and, less frequently seen in occurrence before adolescence, bipolar disorder. Depressive illness coincident with physical illness such as strokes, multiple sclerosis or heart attacks are quite obviously almost non-existent in children (Ingersoll, 1995, p. 5).
According to the guidelines of the DSM IV, in order for a patient to be diagnosed as clinically depressed, the patient must experience five of nine symptoms. The APA holds the consensual position that depression must also always be characterized by either a "depressed mood" or "inability to derive pleasure from previously pleasurable activities" (Ingersoll, 1995, p. 5). The following nine symptoms are listed by the DSM IV: 1) Depressed or irritable mood; 2) Diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities; 3) Significant weight loss or gain, or significant increase or decrease in appetite; 4) Insomnia, excessive sleeping, or other sleep problems; 5) Physical restlessness or slowed body movements; 6) Fatigue ...