Gender and age-related differences in depressive symptoms among brazilian children and adolescents

Abstract

Assessing and discovering the major depression symptoms among men and women, even in the early stages of development, are key elements in the construction and standardization of psychometric instruments. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in the expression of depressive symptoms by gender and age group. The sample consisted of 1,697 students aged 8-17 years. The data collected through the Escala Baptista de Depressão infantojuvenil were submitted to item response theory analysis. Results showed that internalizing symptoms are more common in girls and externalizing symptoms in boys. It can be concluded that standards for boys and girls should differ, just like different standards are needed for children and adolescents.