A longitudinal investigation of intellectual functioning in youth at high risk for bipolar and depressive disorders

Abstract

• Participants were 192 children of mothers with or without a diagnosed mood disorder. • Offspring's intelligence quotients were assessed from childhood to emerging adulthood. • Children of depressed vs healthy mothers had less of an increase in intelligence trajectories. • Cognitive functioning may be protective for male offspring of mood disorder mothers. • Limitations include small sample size and higher socioeconomic status participants.