Irritability and Inattention Not Sad Low Mood Predict Impulsiveness in Children and Adolescents with Major Depressive Disorder and Persistent Depressive Disorder

Abstract

The specific relationships between impulsiveness, inattention, sad, low mood, and irritability have not been systematically examined in young people with major depressive disorder with and without persistent depressive disorder. The relationships are important to clarify because these symptom dimensions may increase suicidal risk in children and adolescents with these depressive disorders. A total of 313 medication-naive young people (aged 6-16 years) with active major depressive disorder (MDD) alone, persistent depressive disorder (DD) alone, and comorbid MDD and DD were identified. "Inattention,""sad/unhappy,"and "irritable"mood were identified by parent standardized questionnaire. Standar..