[Estimation of prevalence of depressive episodes in French adolescents].

Background: Although the diagnosis and treatment of depressive disorders are important public health issues in adolescents, epidemiological data in this population are scarce.

Objective: The aims of this study were to estimate the 12-month prevalence rates of depressive disorders among ninth grade pupils in French schools, and to identify the sociodemographic correlates.

Methods: The data were collected through a national cross-sectional study conducted among ninth grade pupils in France in 2003-2004. Depressive disorders were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire derived from the standardised Composite International Diagnosis Interview-Short Form (CIDI-SF).

Results: A total of 7110 teenagers (mean age 15.1 years) were included. Of these, 9.6% (95% CI 8.6-10.6) reported symptoms corresponding to at least one major depressive episode (MDE) over the past 12 months. Three correlates were independently associated with a higher prevalence of 12-month MDE: being a female (adjusted odds ratio 3.0; 95% CI 2.4-3.8), being greater or equal to 16 years old (aOR=2.2; 95% CI 1.0-5.0) and living alone with one's mother (aOR=1.7; 95% CI 1.3-2.4) or with one's mother and her spouse (aORa=1.4; 95% CI 1.0-2.1).

Conclusion: The high prevalence of depressive disorders in French adolescents is thoroughly discussed. The needs for developing mental health surveillance, comprehensive prevention and care programs for this population are crucial.