Predicting signs of depression in children with specific learning disorders

ABSTRACT Purpose: to compare signs of depression among children with and without learning disorders, and also to investigate whether there are gender-based differences in depressive signs between these groups. Methods: 20 children with learning disorders and 20 children with a typical school performance, aged between 9 and 12 years old, were studied. The investigation of the depression signs was performed by applying the Child Depression Inventory. Results: children diagnosed with learning disorders have a higher frequency of depressive symptoms compared to children without learning difficulties. Conclusion: the signs of depression varied according to age. Gender comparison revealed that girls had a higher incidence of depressive symptoms, especially in the group of children with the disorder.