Adolescent risk factors for episodic and persistent depression in adulthood. A 16-year prospective follow-up study of adolescents.
BACKGROUND
We examined mid-adolescent psychosocial problems as risk factors for subsequent depression up to adulthood proper, and differences in these for episodic and persistent depression.


METHODS
In a 16-year follow-up of an urban Finnish community cohort (547 males and 714 females) from age 16 years risk factors for subsequent depression (S-BDI) were studied. Data were collected with a classroom questionnaire at 16 years and a postal questionnaire at 22 and 32 years. Differences in predictors for episodic depression (only at age of 22 or 32 y) and persistent depression (both at 22 and 32 y) were studied using logistic and multinomial regression analyses.


RESULTS
Mid-adolescent depressive symptoms predicted persistent and female sex episodic depression. Low self-esteem, dissatisfaction with academic achievement, problems with the law, having no dating experiences, and parental divorce all predicted both episodic and persistent depression.


CONCLUSIONS
We had two assessment points in adulthood, but no information about depression between these.


CONCLUSIONS
The associations between mid-adolescent psychosocial problems and subsequent depression extended up to adulthood proper, somewhat differently for episodic and persistent depression. Preventive efforts should be focused towards young people at risk.
National Public Health Institute, Department of Mental Health and Alcohol Research, Mannerheimintie 166, FIN-00300 Helsinki, Finland.
Mirjami
M
Pelkonen
Mauri
M
Marttunen
Jaakko
J
Kaprio
Taina
T
Huurre
Hillevi
H
Aro
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001240:Aspirations, Psychological; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D004243:Divorce / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007604:Juvenile Delinquency / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept; D012737:Sex Factors