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February 4, 2005
Depression Affects Adolescents’ Mental Health,
Education, and Roles in Society
A study of depressed teenagers in mid-adolescence (aged 14-16)
found they were at a higher risk for adverse psychosocial
outcomes in the next stage of their lives, ages 16 through 21. |
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Methods
During a long-term study, i.e. 21 years, of 1265 children, data
were gathered which included assessments of DSM-III-R major
depression during ages 14-16. From ages 16 through 21, subjects
were assessed for psychiatric disorders, educational
achievement, social and individual behaviors, and other salient
problems.
Results
Depression was seen in 13% of the subjects between 14 and 16.
The risk of major depression, anxiety disorders, nicotine and/or
alcohol dependence, educational underachievement,
underemployment and early parenthood was increased in
adolescents who displayed and reported symptoms of depression.
Researchers found similar results for both boys and girls. Early
depression was linked to later negative outcomes through 2
important pathways, the study suggested.
Early depression and higher risk of later major depression or
anxiety disorders were directly linked. Secondly, early
depression and other negative outcomes appeared to be associated
with social, familial and individual factors.
Conclusions
Increased risk of adverse outcomes is more likely for young
people who have early depression, the study concluded. Early
depression and later major depression, and anxiety disorders,
had a high level of direct linkage. Early depression and other
negative outcomes seemed to be caused by other factors.
Complete findings of the study can be found in Archives of
General Psychiatry. 2002; Volume 59:225-231.
Authors
David M. Fergusson, PhD. Christchurch School of Medicine,
Christchurch, New Zealand; Lianne J. Woodward, PhD, Christchurch
School of Medicine, Christchurch, New Zealand
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