Mental health, educational, and social role outcomes of adolescents with depression.
BACKGROUND
This study used longitudinal data to examine the extent to which young people with depression in mid adolescence (ages 14-16) were at increased risk of adverse psychosocial outcomes in later adolescence and young adulthood (ages 16-21).


METHODS
Data were gathered during a 21-year longitudinal study of a birth cohort of 1265 children. Measures included assessments of DSM-III-R major depression (at age 14-16); psychiatric disorders, educational achievement, and social functioning (at age 16-21); social, familial, and individual factors; and comorbid disorders.


RESULTS
Thirteen percent of the cohort developed depression between ages 14 and 16. Young people with depression in adolescence were at significantly (P<.05) increased risk of later major depression, anxiety disorders, nicotine dependence, alcohol abuse or dependence, suicide attempt, educational underachievement, unemployment, and early parenthood. These associations were similar for girls and boys. The results suggested the presence of 2 major pathways linking early depression to later outcomes. First, there was a direct linkage between early depression and increased risk of later major depression or anxiety disorders. Second, the associations between early depression and other outcomes were explained by the presence of confounding social, familial, and individual factors.


CONCLUSIONS
Young people having early depression were at increased risk of later adverse psychosocial outcomes. There was a direct linkage in which early depression was associated with increased risk of later major depression and anxiety disorders. Linkages between early depression and other outcomes appeared to reflect the effects of confounding factors.
Fergusson
David M
DM
Christchurch Health & Development Study, Christchurch School of Medicine, PO Box 4345, Christchurch, New Zealand. david.fergusson@chmeds.ac.nz
Woodward
Lianne J
LJ
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007604:Juvenile Delinquency / Q000523:psychology; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence / Q000523:psychology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012380:Role; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology; D012917:Social Adjustment; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology; D014477:Underachievement; D014478:Unemployment / Q000523:psychology