The prevalence and course of post-traumatic depression in children and adolescents

The prevalence and course of depression following trauma is currently poorly understood within the literature, particularly in youth. Understanding the trajectory of depressive reactions post-trauma is critical for developing approaches to early management and treatment. This study considered the prevalence and trajectories of depression symptoms up to one-year post-trauma. Participants were 2006 trauma-exposed youth (mean age = 12.6 years; SD = 3.16) from the international PACT/R archive. Depression prevalence was assessed at four post-trauma intervals: acute (>24 h to 1 month), short (>1 to 3 months), intermediate (>3 to 6 months), and long-term (>6 to 12 months). Two operational definitions were used: “likely DSM-5 depression” (meeting DSM-5 diagnostic criteria) and “likely clinically significant depression” (based on frequently assessed symptoms). Prevalence of individual symptoms and symptom trajectories over time were analysed. The prevalence of “likely DSM-5 depression” was 18.5% in the acute phase and 14.8% at long-term follow-up. For “likely clinically significant depression”, rates were higher: 38.7% (acute) and 34.7% (long-term). Individual symptom prevalence ranged from 13.5% to 62.6% in the acute phase and 15.5% to 63.5% at long-term follow-up. Two symptom trajectories emerged: a smaller group ( n = 165) with minimal symptoms and a larger group ( n = 411) with persistent symptoms. Depression is a common and often persistent response to trauma in children and adolescents, with limited spontaneous recovery over the first year. Routine screening and early intervention for depression in trauma-exposed youth are warranted. Further longitudinal research is needed to identify modifiable risk factors and effective treatment strategies. • The trajectory and course of depression post-trauma in children and adolescents has thus far received little attention in the literature. • The prevalence and trajectories of depression symptoms in a sample of trauma exposed children and adolescents was explored. • Depression symptoms are common in trauma-exposed youth; likely DSM-5 depression was present 18.5% of youth in the acute phase and 14.8% at long-term follow-up • Depression symptoms persist in the year post-trauma and there is little spontaneous recovery. • Further research could explore the risk factors for chronic depression symptoms post-trauma.