Natnapin Virikulcharoen, MD¹, Wanlop Atsariyasing, MD¹

Objective: To compare the characteristics and associated factors of depressive disorders in children and adolescents treated at Siriraj Hospital in 2014 and 2022.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of medical records was conducted, including 93 patients from 2014 and 172 patients from 2022. Data collected included demographics, diagnoses, comorbidities, and treatment outcomes. Statistical analyses included two-sample t-tests, Pearson’s chi-square tests, and Fisher’s exact test to compare characteristics of depressive disorders between the two years, and modified Poisson regression to explore factors associated with remission.

Results: The proportion of female patients increased from 49.5% in 2014 to 73.7% in 2022 (p<0.001). Reports of domestic violence rose from 7.5% to 20.3% (p=0.006), suicidal ideation increased from 16.1% to 51.2% (p<0.001), and self-harming behaviors increased from 22.7% to 57.6% (p<0.001). Referrals to psychologists increased from 22.6% to 43.9% (p<0.001), and hospitalization rates within the first year rose from 6.5% to 15.2% (p=0.037). No significant differences were observed in age, family structure, parenting style, psychotic symptoms, comorbidities, medication use, or remission rates. Regression analysis indicated that authoritative parenting was associated with a 1.98-fold higher likelihood of remission (p=0.042).

Conclusion: The prevalence and severity of depressive disorders among female children and adolescents are rising, marked by an increase in suicidal ideation, self-harm, and hospitalization. However, remission rates remain unchanged. Authoritative parenting may improve remission rates. These findings highlight the need for enhanced screening, updated treatment guidelines, and targeted parental counseling.

Received 23 September 2025 | Revised 21 January 2026 | Accepted 27 January 2026

DOI: 10.35755/jmedassocthai.2026.3.03184