While it is not recommendable to apply magnesium as a monotherapy in severe depressive conditions - as an adjunct it might serve to attenuate the peaks - it can be seen as the compound of first choice in mild, preclinical forms of depression.It might be given to adolescents as well as adults. Of course, the administration to adolescents might be rather more appropriate. Also to high-risk-children, namely the offspring of adults with clinical depression magnesium could be given as prophylaxis.