Depressive symptoms in adolescence as predictors of early adulthood depressive disorders and maladjustment

Abstract

Objective: The authors examined the association between self-reported depressive symptoms in adolescence and mental well-being in early adulthood.

Method: A questionnaire assessing psychosocial well-being was given to a group of subjects (N=651) in their last 3 years of high school (mean age=16.8 years) and again when these subjects reached early adulthood (mean age=21.8 years). Diagnostic interview data were obtained from a subgroup of the young adults (N=245). Adolescents' depressive symptoms were analyzed in relation to their early adulthood mental health outcome data.

Results: Depressive symptoms in adolescence predicted early adulthood depressive disorders (major depression and dysthymia), comorbidity, psychosocial impairment, and problem drinking.

Conclusions: Depressive symptoms in adolescence deserve attention as a potential risk for early adulthood mental disorders.