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. 2014 Jul;205(1):17-23.
doi: 10.1192/bjp.bp.113.134221. Epub 2014 Apr 24.

Developmental pathways from childhood conduct problems to early adult depression: findings from the ALSPAC cohort

Argyris Stringaris  1 , Glyn Lewis  1 , Barbara Maughan  1
Affiliations

Developmental pathways from childhood conduct problems to early adult depression: findings from the ALSPAC cohort

Argyris Stringaris et al. Br J Psychiatry. 2014 Jul.

Abstract

Background: Pathways from early-life conduct problems to young adult depression remain poorly understood.

Aims: To test developmental pathways from early-life conduct problems to depression at age 18.

Method: Data (n = 3542) came from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Previously derived conduct problem trajectories (ages 4-13 years) were used to examine associations with depression from ages 10 to 18 years, and the role of early childhood factors as potential confounders.

Results: Over 43% of young adults with depression in the ALSPAC cohort had a history of child or adolescent conduct problems, yielding a population attributable fraction of 0.15 (95% CI 0.08-0.22). The association between conduct problems and depression at age 18 was considerable even after adjusting for prior depression (odds ratio 1.55, 95% CI 1.24-1.94). Early-onset persistent conduct problems carried the highest risk for later depression. Irritability characterised depression for those with a history of conduct problems.

Conclusions: Early-life conduct problems are robustly associated with later depressive disorder and may be useful targets for early intervention.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of interest

None.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Young adult depression by conduct problem trajectories and gender.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Mean Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (MFQ) scores at ages 10, 13 and 16 years by conduct problem trajectories and gender.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Mean age 18 depression symptom scores by conduct problem trajectories: individuals meeting criteria for depression only.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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