A study of depressive characteristics in behaviorally disordered children and adolescents

This study was conducted to determine whether depressive symptoms exist among behaviorally disordered (BD) pupils. Results indicate that the BD group exhibited symptoms of depression, as judged by themselves, teachers, and parents. Depressive symptoms increased with age, and those BD students in the self-contained special education program were significantly more depressed than those BD students who had been mainstreamed. Implications for assessment, intervention, and social work practice are drawn.