Abstract
ObjectiveOffspring of mothers with depression are a high-risk group for the development of suicide-related behavior. These offspring are therefore a priority for preventive interventions; however, pathways contributing to risk, including specific aspects of offspring psychopathology, remain unclear. The aim of this study was to examine whether offspring symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), disruptive behavior disorder (DBD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and alcohol abuse independently mediate the association between maternal depression and offspring suicide-related behavior.MethodData were used from a population-based birth cohort, the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Three distinct classes of depression symptoms across the mothers’ first 11 years of their child’s life were identified (minimal, moderate, chronic-severe). Offspring psychopathology was assessed at age 15 years and suicide-related behavior at age 16 years. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.ResultsThere was evidence for increased risk of suicidal ideation in offspring of mothers with chronic-severe depression symptoms in comparison to offspring of mothers with minimal symptoms (odds ratio = 3.04, 95% CI = 2.19, 4.21). This association was independently mediated by offspring MDD, GAD, and DBD symptoms. The same mechanisms were found for offspring of mothers with moderate depression symptoms over time. Results were similar for offspring suicide attempt except for additional evidence of an indirect effect through offspring ADHD symptoms.ConclusionFindings highlight that suicide prevention efforts in offspring of mothers with depression should not only be targeted at offspring with MDD; it is also important to consider offspring with other forms of psychopathology.
Highlights
MethodsData were used from a population-based birth cohort, the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC)
Results were similar for offspring suicide attempt except for additional evidence of an indirect effect through offspring attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms
Findings highlight that suicide prevention efforts in offspring of mothers with depression should be targeted at offspring with major depressive disorder (MDD); it is important to consider offspring with other forms of psychopathology
Summary
Data were used from a population-based birth cohort, the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Data were used from a large UK birth cohort study: the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Of the 14,062 live births, 13,617 were singletons and were alive at 1 year of age. The sample is broadly representative of the UK population; mothers enrolled in ALSPAC were more likely to live in owner-occupied accommodation and to have a car, more likely to be married, and more likely to be white.[16] Parents and children have been followed up regularly since recruitment via questionnaire and clinic assessments. All adult participants gave informed consent, and ethical approval for the study was obtained from the ALSPAC Ethics and
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