Adolescent-onset depression is associated with altered social functioning into middle adulthood

Abstract

Depression during sensitive periods of social development may have consequences that extend well beyond mental health, and far into adulthood. This study compared the social functioning of adults with adolescent-onset depression (ages 10–20) to those with adult-onset depression (ages 21+). Participants were 3,360 adults (67.2% female; ages 42 ± 15) who had experienced major depression. Adult functional outcomes were marital status, divorce, number of children, years of education, employment status, household income, dependency on welfare, and obesity. Participants with depression during adolescence were less likely to get married, have children, and more likely to have lower household incomes. Depression during adolescence may be associated with broader functional outcomes that impact individuals and society, and may be mitigated through intervention and effective policy.