Major depressive disorders in children aged 5–14 years: a Global Burden of Disease analysis from the perspective of exercise psychology

Childhood MDD poses a significant global public health challenge, with profound consequences for lifelong well-being and social functioning. Effective prevention requires school-based mental health initiatives, physical activity interventions, anti-bullying measures, and enhanced community care systems. Mental health policies must ensure equitable resource distribution, robust data infrastructure, and cross-sectoral coordination following WHO and UNICEF guidelines. Improving early identification, mitigating behavioral risks, and guaranteeing universal access to youth mental health services remain crucial for reversing current trajectories and fostering healthy child development.