Abstract

Depression in children and adolescents with chronic medical conditions is an important area of clinical interest and research. There is sparse literature from developing countries such as India on the interface areas of pediatric mood disorders and chronic medical conditions. Clinical manifestations of depression in children and adolescents with chronic medical conditions can be different as compared to adult depression. Behavioral overlays can be present in child and adolescent depression which can add on to the complexities of diagnosis and treatment. We present three sick children with behavioral problems, who were suffering from α-thalassemia, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and xeroderma pigmentosum. Relevant literature on clinical manifestations, atypical behavioral presentations, challenges faced in clinical assessments, diagnosis, and management of depression in chronic medically sick children and adolescents are discussed.

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