Recurrence of major depression in adolescence and early adulthood, and later mental health, educational and economic outcomes

Abstract

Background: It is unclear how the recurrence of major depression in adolescence affects later life outcomes.

Aims: To examine the associations between the frequency of major depression at ages 16-21 and later outcomes, both before and after controlling for potentially confounding factors.

Method: Data were gathered from a 25-year longitudinal study of a birth cohort of New Zealand children (n=982). Outcome measures included DSM-IV symptom criteria for major depression and anxiety disorders, suicidal ideation and attempted suicide, achieving university degree or other tertiary education qualification, welfare dependence and unemployment, and income at ages 21-25 years.

Results: There were significant (P<0.05) associations between the frequency of depression at ages 16-21 years and all outcome measures. After adjustment for confounding factors, the association between frequency of depression and all mental health outcomes, and welfare dependence and unemployment, remained significant (P<0.05).

Conclusions: The frequency of depression in adolescence and young adulthood is associated with adverse mental health and economic outcomes in early adulthood.