Abstract
Epidemiologie data provide information on the distribution of a disorder in the population and identify the risk factors associated with that disorder. True estimates of prevalence and incidence can be obtained only by measuring the extent to which a disorder is present in the population at risk. There is currently very little direct information available on the epidemiology of depression in young children. This paper reviews the reasons for this dearth of information which include: (1) controversies regarding the appropriateness of the diagnosis of depression in young children and (2) related delays in the development of necessary assessment techniques. Also presented are the data available which relate to this subject and provide insights on the extent of this problem for young children.