Sex differences in pediatric major depressive episodes: a cross-sectional study on psychiatric symptoms in early-onset mood disorders
The study confirms that female patients with MDEs exhibit more severe affective symptoms, while male patients present with more externalizing behaviors and comorbidities. We further report more mixed symptoms and bipolar disorder diagnoses in male patients, who also have an earlier onset of psychiatric symptoms. These findings are discussed also considering implications for the diagnosis of pediatric bipolar disorder. A high clinical sensitivity is needed for highlighting subtle mixed and/or atypical features in severe MDEs among girls.
Authors
- Clotilde Guidetti (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9315-8338)
- Monia Trasolini (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8291-8410)
- Massimo Apicella (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1395-5773)
- Gino Maglio (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4387-7027)
- Giulia Serra (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7005-3736)
- Maria Elena Iannoni
- Stefano Vicari (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5395-2262)
- Elisa Andracchio
- Giorgia Della Santa (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4480-4337)
- Caterina Lanza
Institutions
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (IT)
- Harvard University (US)
- Massachusetts General Hospital (US)
- Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (IT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Frontiers in Psychiatry
- Published
- 2025-04-25
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1503794
- Citations
- 2
- Primary Topic
- Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 4.61
Funders
- Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù
- Ministero della Salute