Citation

Fergusson DM, Boden JM, Horwood LJ. Br. J. Psychiatry 2007; 191: 335-342.

Affiliation

Christchurch Health and Development Study, Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, PO Box 4345, Christchurch, New Zealand. david.fergusson@chmeds.ac.nz

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Royal College of Psychiatry)

DOI

10.1192/bjp.bp.107.036079

PMID

17906244

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.

Language: en