The Use of the Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC) for Depression in Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatients

Lack of common diagnostic terminology and questions about the reliability of diagnosis in adolescents have inhibited investigation of depression in this age group. The Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC), which are now widely used in research in adult psychiatry, were applied to a group of adolescent psychiatric inpatients. Nine of 33 or 27% fulfilled criteria for Major Depressive Disorder. The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and the Carroll Self-Rating Scale for Depression, also used in studies of adults, were used. Acceptable reliability with the Hamilton was demonstrated while questions were raised concerning the use of the self-rating scale alone in this group. Further reliability and validity studies for the diagnosis and interview methods are needed.