A study published online on August 8 in JAMA Network Open reveals that symptoms of depression during adolescence are connected to higher levels of depression and perceived stress in early adulthood. Conducted by Dr. Lamprini Psychogiou and colleagues from the University of Exeter, the study analyzed data from 2,120 participants in the Québec Longitudinal Study of Child Development, covering individuals born between October 1, 1997, and July 31, 1998.
The researchers found that depression symptoms during adolescence (ages 13 to 17) predicted increased depression symptoms at age 20, with both unadjusted and Bonferroni adjusted analyses showing a significant association (β, 1.08). Additionally, adolescent depression was linked to higher perceived stress at age 21 (β, 3.63 unadjusted and Bonferroni adjusted).
Furthermore, depression symptoms during both middle childhood and adolescence were associated with reduced levels of social support (middle childhood β, −1.58; adolescence β, −1.97, both unadjusted and Bonferroni adjusted). However, no significant associations were found with binge drinking, lack of education, employment, or training, or online harassment.
The authors emphasize the need for early screening for depression in children and adolescents to potentially mitigate long-term mental health issues and improve psychosocial outcomes in adulthood.
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