Abstract
The objective of this research was to examine the processes and motivations that lead parents and caregivers to the perception of depression in their children and the consequent demand for specialized care and understand the influence of health belief and cultural habits in seeking treatment. We analyzed interviews conducted in five psychiatric outpatient clinic in a state university hospital, 2005. We used qualitative methodology - case study - under the theoretical reference of the "Health Belief Model". The stigma about psychiatry and madness; not accepting the existence of depression in children; ignorance about depression and its symptoms and the diagnostic difficulties in this age are examples of factors that delay seeking treatment. In contrast, the prior knowledge about the disease, the action of health professionals and educators and the belief in the effectiveness of psychiatric treatment, allow early treatment.
Keywords:
depression in childhood; parents; health beliefs; qualitative research