Question: What Is Subsyndromal Depression?
Answer: Subsyndromal depression is a term that indicates when a person's depression symptoms do not quite meet the criteria for a diagnosis of a major depressive episode.
For example, if a child has symptoms of depression that do not last at least two weeks and do not significantly interfere with her daily functioning, she may be labeled with subsyndromal depression by her healthcare provider.
It is thought that subsyndromal depression symptoms may be a risk factor for developing future clinically significant major depressive disorder.
Source:
Boris Birmaher, MD, David Brent, MD, et al.Practice Parameter for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Depressive Disorders. Journal of American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 46(11). November 2007. 1503-1526.
