A Comparative Study of Clinical Characteristics of Depressive Disorders among Children and Adolescents at Siriraj Hospital between 2014 and 2022

Objective: To compare the characteristics and associated factors of depressive disorders in children and adolescents treated at Siriraj Hospital in 2014 and 2022. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of medical records was conducted, including 93 patients from 2014 and 172 patients from 2022. Data collected included demographics, diagnoses, comorbidities, and treatment outcomes. Statistical analyses included two-sample t-tests, Pearson’s chi-square tests, and Fisher’s exact test to compare characteristics of depressive disorders between the two years, and modified Poisson regression to explore factors associated with remission. Results: The proportion of female patients increased from 49.5% in 2014 to 73.7% in 2022 (p<0.001). Reports of domestic violence rose from 7.5% to 20.3% (p=0.006), suicidal ideation increased from 16.1% to 51.2% (p<0.001), and self-harming behaviors increased from 22.7% to 57.6% (p<0.001). Referrals to psychologists increased from 22.6% to 43.9% (p<0.001), and hospitalization rates within the first year rose from 6.5% to 15.2% (p=0.037). No significant differences were observed in age, family structure, parenting style, psychotic symptoms, comorbidities, medication use, or remission rates. Regression analysis indicated that authoritative parenting was associated with a 1.98-fold higher likelihood of remission (p=0.042). Conclusion: The prevalence and severity of depressive disorders among female children and adolescents are rising, marked by an increase in suicidal ideation, self-harm, and hospitalization. However, remission rates remain unchanged. Authoritative parenting may improve remission rates. These findings highlight the need for enhanced screening, updated treatment guidelines, and targeted parental counseling.