Although several theoretical positions deal with the concept of childhood depression, accurate measurement of depression can only occur if valid and reliable measures are available. Current efforts emphasize direct questioning of the child and quantification of parents' observations. One scale used to study childhood depression, the Personality Inventory for Children (PIC), correlates with many of the characteristics associated with childhood depression. A cluster analysis of 1,800 PIC profiles has revealed 11 replicated patterns or profile types. The PIC Depression scale enters into the identification of three of these types. The first, Type 3 Profile, suggests a child or adolescent with chronic cognitive deficits and academic failure who has difficulty adjusting to change. For these children the Depression scale reflects the effect of social incompetence. The Type 7 Profile represents a combination of depression and externalization symptomatology. These children are often angry or insecure, have poor relations with their parents, and often come from disrupted, chaotic families. Type 9 Profile children are likely to be referred for help due to an observed disturbance of mood and/or somatic complaints. These children feel competitive or angry with siblings and depend on parents who are often viewed as clinically depressed and in need of individual treatment. (Tables summarizing the criteria for depression, and the PIC factor structure, psychometric characteristics, and profile types are appended.) (NRB)