Predictors of the onset of depression in young children: a multi-method, multi-informant longitudinal study from ages 3 to 6.
BACKGROUND
Despite growing interest in depression in young children, little is known about which variables predict the onset of depression in early childhood. We examined a range of predictors of the onset of depression diagnoses in a multi-method, multi-informant longitudinal study of a large community sample of young children from ages 3 to 6.


METHODS
Predictors of the onset of depression at age 6 were drawn from five domains assessed when children were 3 years old: child psychopathology (assessed using a parent diagnostic interview), observed child temperament, teacher ratings of peer functioning, parental psychopathology (assessed using a diagnostic interview), and psychosocial environment (observed parental hostility, parent-reported family stressors, parental education).


RESULTS
A number of variables predicted the onset of depression by age 6, including child history of anxiety disorders, child temperamental low inhibitory control, poor peer functioning, parental history of mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, early and recent stressful life events, and less parental education.


CONCLUSIONS
Predictors of the onset of depression in early childhood tend to be similar to those identified in older youth and adults, and support the feasibility of identifying children in greatest need for early intervention.
Department of Psychology, California State University San Marcos, San Marcos, CA, USA.
Sara J
SJ
Bufferd
Lea R
LR
Dougherty
Thomas M
TM
Olino
Margaret W
MW
Dyson
Rebecca S
RS
Laptook
Gabrielle A
GA
Carlson
Daniel N
DN
Klein
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012931:Social Environment; D066107:Social Skills; D013694:Temperament / Q000502:physiology*
Early childhood; depression; predictors