Predictors of first-episode unipolar major depression in individuals with and without sub-threshold depressive symptoms: A prospective, population-based study.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study is to assess predictors of first-episode major depression in a community-based sample of adults with and without sub-threshold depression.


METHODS
Data were from Waves 1 and 2 of the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC). Participants meeting criteria for a sub-threshold depressive episode (sMDE; n=3901) reported lifetime depressed mood/loss of interest lasting at least two weeks and at least two of the seven other DSM-IV symptoms of MDD. Predictors of MDE 3 years later were compared in those with and without (n=31022) sMDE.


RESULTS
Being female, history of alcohol or substance use, and child abuse increased the odds of developing MDD to a greater degree in individuals without sMDE relative to those with sMDE. Among those with sMDE and additional risk factors (low education, substance use), younger age was associated with marginally increased risk of MDD.


CONCLUSIONS
Several demographic risk factors may help identify individuals at risk for developing MDD in individuals who have not experienced an sMDE who may be candidates for early intervention. Future work should assess whether preventative interventions targeting substance/alcohol use and child abuse could reduce the risk of depression.
University of Illinois at Chicago, Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, United States.
Amy T
AT
Peters
University of Illinois at Chicago, Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, United States.
Stewart A
SA
Shankman
Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, United States; Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, United States.
Thilo
T
Deckersbach
University of Illinois at Chicago, Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, United States. Electronic address: Awest@psych.uic.edu.
Amy E
AE
West
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002649:Child Abuse; D003710:Demography; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
Depression; Risk factors; Sub-threshold