Family History Of Mental Disorders Research Articles

A retrospective study of late-onset bipolar disorder: A comparison with early and intermediate onset

Aim: To evaluate the sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment characteristics profile of late-onset (LO) bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) (onset ≥50 years) and compare the patients with LO BPAD with early age of onset (10–25 years) and intermediate age of onset (26–40 years) BPAD for the demographic features, illness characteristics, and treatment characteristics. Methodology: In this retrospective study, data (demographic features, clinical characteristics, and treatment characteristics) of 115 patients with LO BPAD (onset ≥50 years) were extracted and were compared with 93 patients with intermediate-onset (IO) (26–40 years) and 130 patients with early-onset (EO) (10–25 years) BPAD groups. Results: Patients with LO BPAD differ from EO and IO BPAD in having higher rates of family history of mental disorders, higher rates of comorbid psychiatric disorders (especially substance use disorders) and physical illnesses, higher rates of suicidal ideations, lower rates of suicidal attempts, higher rates of Type-II BPAD, lower prevalence of psychotic symptoms during the episodes, shorter interepisodic duration, higher use of combination of mood stabilizers and antidepressants, lower preference of lithium, higher preference for valproate, and lower use of benzodiazepines. In addition, patients with LO BPAD differed from those with EO BPAD in having higher rates of having a depressive-manic illness pattern, longer duration of depressive episodes, and lower number of manic episodes. Patients with LO BPAD differed significantly from IO BPAD in having lower number of episodes and more often use of antipsychotic monotherapy during the acute phase. Conclusions: LO BPAD differs from IO and EO BPAD on several of the clinical characteristics. Treatment preferences by the clinicians for LO BPAD also differ from EO and IO BPAD.

Association of the polygenic risk score for schizophrenia with mortality and suicidal behavior - A Danish population-based study

BackgroundIt is unknown whether an increased genetic liability to schizophrenia influences the risk of dying early. The aim of the study was to determine whether the genetic predisposition to schizophrenia is associated with the risk of dying early and experience a suicide attempt. MethodCase control study, Denmark. The main measure was the mortality rate ratios (MRR) for deaths and odds ratios (OR) for multiple suicide attempts, associated with one standard deviations increase of the polygenic risk-score for schizophrenia (PRS). ResultsWe replicated the high mortality MRR=9.01 (95% CI: 3.56–22.80), and high risk of multiple suicide attempts OR=33.16 (95% CI: 20.97–52.43) associated with schizophrenia compared to the general population. However, there was no effect of the PRS on mortality MRR=1.00 (95% CI 0.71–1.40) in the case-control setup or in cases only, MRR=1.05 (95% CI 0.73–1.51). Similar, no association between the PRS and multiple suicide attempts was found in the adjusted models, but in contrast, family history of mental disorders was associated with both outcomes. ConclusionsA genetic predisposition for schizophrenia, measured by PRS, has little influence on the excess mortality or the risk of suicide attempts. In contrast there is a strong significant effect of family history of mental disorders. Our findings could reflect that the common variants detected by recent PRS only explain a small proportion of risk of schizophrenia, and that future, more powerful PRS instruments may be able to predict excess mortality within this disorder.

Analysis of clinical features and its influencing factors of depression patients with and without psychotic symptoms

Objective To analyze the clinical features and its influencing factors of depression patients with and without psychotic symptoms. Methods According to the presence of psychotic symptoms, 374 patients with major depression were divided into psychotic major depression (PMD group, 79 case) and nonpsychotic major depression (NMD group, 268 case). All patients completed social demographic questionnaire (including gender, age, marital status, educational level, family history, positive family history of psychiatric disorder, disease onset age, frequency of attack, times of hospitalization, etc.) and Hamilton's depression scale (HAMD-24). Results Positive family history(PMD group 47/79, NMD group 104/268, P<0.01), psychiatric disorder positive family history(PMD group 19/79, NMD group 26/268, P<0.01) and times of hospitalization(PMD group(2.52±1.29), NMD group(1.39±1.31), P<0.01) in the PMD group were significantly higher than the NMD group.HAMD total scores(PMD total score(47.85±8.69), NMD total score(43.44±8.51), P<0.01), the factor score of anxiety/somatization(PMD group(11.40±3.28), NMD group(9.19±3.54), P<0.01) and cognitive impairment(PMD group(12.24±3.77), NMD group(9.45±3.68), P<0.01) in the PMD group were significantly higher than the NMD group.Disease onset age(PMD group(30.09±5.17), NMD group(35.95±9.06), P<0.01), the course of the disease(PMD group(1.58±0.76), NMD group(3.02±2.87), P<0.01), the factor score of day and night change(PMD group(0.76±0.46), NMD group(1.01±0.51), P<0.01) in PMD group were significantly lower than the NMD. Logistic regression analysis showed the major depression with positive family history of mental disorders(β=3.278), attack in early age(β=-2.524), seriously cognitive dysfunction in patients(β=3.836) may indicate the psychotic symptoms(P<0.05). Conclusion PMD patients more positive family history, psychiatric disorder positive family history, likely to be hospitalization, severe symptoms and attack in early age compared with NMD. With positive family history of mental disorders, attack in early age, seriously cognitive dysfunction in patients with major depression may indicate the psychotic symptoms. Key words: Depression; Psychotic symptoms; Clinical features

Mental health services use among adults with or without mental disorders: Do development stages matter?

Mental health services (MHS) use is a complex behaviour that does not only concern individuals with current mental disorder. To date, few studies have examined age-related contextualisation of MHS use. Reasons for seeking help may vary according to development stages in adulthood. This study aimed to determine which predisposing, enabling and need factors, using Andersen's model, were associated with MHS use according to adult development stages among individuals with or without current psychiatric diagnosis. Three age groups were examined: 18- to 29-year-olds (n = 775), 30- to 49-year-olds (n = 1,560) and 50- to 64-year-olds (n = 960). Data were obtained from the Montreal Longitudinal Catchment Area Study. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted for each age group separately to determine which predisposing, enabling and need factors were associated with MHS use in the past 12 months. For 18- to 29-year-olds, one enabling factor (Internet search) and two need factors (presence of major depressive disorder and number of stressful events) were positively associated with MHS use. For 30- to 49-year-olds, one predisposing factor (family history of mental disorder), four enabling factors (not currently working or in school, perceiving neighbourhood disorder, social cohesion and Internet searching) and one need factor (major depressive disorder) correlated with help seeking. For 50- to 64-year-olds, two predisposing factors (family history of mental disorder and higher self-perceived stigma), two enabling factors (low satisfaction in personal relationship and Internet searching) and one need factor (alcohol dependence) were associated with MHS use. Factors associated with MHS use differ according to adult development stages. Programmes and policies should be based on age-related contextualisation to increase MHS use.

Introducing the White Noise task in childhood: associations between speech illusions and psychosis vulnerability.

Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) are common during development and may arise due to dysregulation in top-down processing of sensory input. This study was designed to examine the frequency and correlates of speech illusions measured using the White Noise (WN) task in children from the general population. Associations between speech illusions and putative risk factors for psychotic disorder and negative affect were examined. A total of 1486 children aged 11-12 years of the Copenhagen Child Cohort 2000 were examined with the WN task. Psychotic experiences and negative affect were determined using the Kiddie-SADS-PL. Register data described family history of mental disorders. Exaggerated Theory of Mind functioning (hyper-ToM) was measured by the ToM Storybook Frederik. A total of 145 (10%) children experienced speech illusions (hearing speech in the absence of speech stimuli), of which 102 (70%) experienced illusions perceived by the child as positive or negative (affectively salient). Experiencing hallucinations during the last month was associated with affectively salient speech illusions in the WN task [general cognitive ability: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-3.93]. Negative affect, both last month and lifetime, was also associated with affectively salient speech illusions (aOR 2.01, 95% CI 1.05-3.83 and aOR 1.79, 95% CI 1.11-2.89, respectively). Speech illusions were not associated with delusions, hyper-ToM or family history of mental disorders. Speech illusions were elicited in typically developing children in a WN-test paradigm, and point to an affective pathway to AVH mediated by dysregulation in top-down processing of sensory input.

Incidence of postpartum mood disorders depending on selected risk factors – a logistic regression model

The aim of the study was to assess the severity of mood disorders in women in the first and sixth week postpartum and to determine the incidence of baby blues depending on selected risk factors. Material and methods. 285 postpartum women were enrolled in the study. The research project was divided into two stages (first and sixth week postpartum). The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess the severity of mood disorders. The indicator of the presence of disorders was set at ≥ 12 points on the 30-point EPDS scale. In order to determine the impact of selected independent variables on the dichotomous dependent variable (baby blues), a logistic regression model was used based on the formula. Results. In the first week postpartum, baby blues was found in 23.2% of the postpartum women. The risk for postnatal depression after six weeks postpartum was determined in 17.3% of the women. The odds ratio for baby blues correlated with: unfavorable financial situation of the women (OR=2.56), a family history of mental disorders (OR=3.87), and dissatisfaction with medical care received during childbirth (OR=5.24). Conclusions Cases of baby blues were determined in every fourth woman from the sample group. The risk for postnatal depression was found in 17.3% of women after six weeks postpartum. The odds ratio for baby blues was affected by the following statistically significant factors: unfavorable financial situation of the women, genetic predispositions and dissatisfaction with perinatal medical care.

Affective disorders as potential complication of anti-acne treatment with isotretinoin: A case series

ObjectiveTo analyse cases of 9 patients (18-27 yo) who were consequently admitted to our department and treated with affective disorders (AD) while undergoing isotretinoin (INN) therapy. MethodsA semi-structured questionnaire designed by the authors was used to analyse many variables related to demographic characteristics, dermatologic and psychiatrics symptoms, AD course and treatment, family history of mental disorders, building on medical histories of patients and their families, and available medical records. ResultsPatients were diagnosed (DSM-IV-TR) with: a major depressive episode (4 patients), a recurrent major depressive episode (3), a bipolar mixed episode (1), and rapid cycling bipolar I disorder (1). The mean time from the first use of INN to: I. the onset of mental disorders was approximately 2 months (1–6 months), II. a visit with a psychiatrist was about 12 months (1–38 months). The predictors of occurrence of AD included a family history of AD and a prior episode of mental disorders. The onset of AD was in most cases preceded by prodromal symptoms such as headaches, sleep disorders, fatigue, drowsiness, or general weakness. Five patients reported suicidal ideation, four patients showed suicidal tendencies, and two persons attempted to commit suicide during the treatment. ConclusionsPsychiatrists should pay special attention to isotretinoin as a drug that may trigger episodes of AD, particularly in patients with a family history of AD or prior episodes of mental disorders. Isotretinoin therapy of patients with acne and a family history of AD or prior episodes of mental disorders requires special care and, if symptoms of depression develop or worsen during the INN treatment, collaboration between a dermatologist and a psychiatrist is needed.

Developmental trajectories of pregnant and postpartum depression in an epidemiologic survey

ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence and determinants for the peripartum depression. MethodsData were extracted from the 2 waves of the National Epidemiologic Study of Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC), a representative sample of the US population corresponding to 34,653 participants. All women pregnant during the year before the second assessment were included. Peripartum depression was evaluated according a semi-structured interview at Wave 2. Risk factors covering life from childhood through adulthood, and including sexual abuse, family history of depression and psychiatric disorder lifetime were evaluated at wave 1. Stressful life event and obstetric factors were evaluated for the period of 12 months preceding the second interview. ResultsIn the sample of 1085 participants pregnant at wave 2, the prevalence of peripartum depression was 10.8%. Women with a peripartum depression reported higher rates of sexual abuse in childhood (OR=3.07), family history of depression (OR=3.27). A history of mental disorder was associated with a higher rate of peripartum depression (OR=3.43) Four disorders were specifically associated with higher rate of peripartum depression including depression (OR=4.91), substance use disorder (OR=2.37), bipolar disorder (OR=2.39) and history of suicide attempt (OR=3.79). Peripartum depression was associated with stressful life event in the last year (OR=3.03), and complications during pregnancy (OR=2.10). LimitationsNot distinguish between depressed women during pregnancy from postpartum depressed women. ConclusionDepression affects more than one in 10 women during peripartum. The factors associated with peripartum depression are traumatic, personal or family history of mental disorder, in a timeframe covering life from childhood through adulthood.

Prescription of benzodiazepines for adults and older adults from a mental health clinic.

The aim of this study was to compare benzodiazepine (bzd) prescriptions for adults and older adults regarding appropriate use indicator. It is a cross-sectional study for collecting data on patients treated at the City's Mental Health Clinic in Sorocaba/SP, between March and December 2013. Appropriate use indicators were used: appropriate drug, with adequate posology and period of use; as well as the use of a single bzd, as anxiolytic for less than 3 months in depression treatment with antidepressants, use for less than 2 months if associated to an antidepressant and no use of long-acting bzd in older adults. From the 330 participants, most were women, with a family history of mental disorders and bzd use, without monitoring of a psychologist and using other psychotropic and polypharmacy (p>0.05).The minority of prescriptions had indication for the use of bzd (37.5% for older adults and 32.4% for adults) (p>0.05). Only 5.8% of the prescriptions for older adults and 1.9 for adults were rational (p>0.05). The chronic use was observed in all adults and older adults with depressive and anxiety disorders (p>0.05). A minority of prescriptions for adults and older adults was appropriate.

Psychotic experiences, alcohol–cannabis abuse, stressful events and familial risk is associated with onset of clinical psychosis: Evidence from a 6-year longitudinal population-based cohort

IntroductionBoth clinical and subclinical psychosis is probably a consequence of underlying genetic and environmental interactions.ObjectivesDefining differential impact of environmental/familial risk factors and psychotic experiences across the onset of clinical psychosis.AimsTo assess mental health outcomes in a 6-year follow-up of a representative general population sample with a special focus on extended psychosis phenotype.MethodsAddresses were contacted in multistage clustered area probability sampling frame covering 9 districts and 302 neighbourhoods (n: 4011) at baseline (T1) and 6 years after (n: 2142) (T2). Psychotic experiences were screened with Composite International Diagnostic Interview and probable cases were re-interviewed with SCID-I. Relations were tested using logistic regression models.ResultsOf subclinical psychotic symptoms at baseline, 6.4% transitioned to clinical psychosis; 44.4% persisted, 90.2% transitioned to any DSM disorder. Of newly onset clinical psychosis at T2, 62.8% had subclinical psychotic expressions at baseline. The risk of developing clinical psychosis was greater in those with baseline subclinical psychotic experiences, alcohol–cannabis abuse, stressful-forensic event history and family history of mental disorders. Most of risk factors associated with psychosis proneness at T1 were also associated with clinical psychotic outcome at T2 (Table 1).ConclusionsPsychotic experiences takes attention for the risk to develop psychosis due to underlying genetic and environmental interactions; also may be an important risk factor to develop any mental disorder.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Screening schizotypal personality disorder for detection of clinical high risk of psychosis in Chinese mental health services

Schizotypal personality disorder (SPD) is viewed as a marker of prodromal psychosis. However, information regarding genetic risk (e.g. SPD) is often overlooked in the identification process. This study assessed whether SPD screening questionnaire help the prodromal psychosis (also widely applied “clinical high risk” (CHR) for clinical sample) detection in Chinese mental health service. This work also examined whether SPD had higher frequency in genetic risk population and CHR subjects. Two wave studies concerning the SPD identification was used for analysis. Wave 1 survey: 3075 subjects were assessed by Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire for SPD (PDQ-SPD) and Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II (SCID-II). Wave 2 survey: 2113 subjects screened with the prodromal questionnaire -brief version (PQ-B), PDQ-SPD, and interviewed by Structured Interview for Prodromal Symptoms (SIPS). Subjects with family history of mental disorders or with psychosis reported significantly higher scores in SPD. Receiver operating characteristic curves suggested that PDQ-SPD had moderate sensitivity and specificity for identifying CHR subjects. There was significant higher on SPD features in subjects with early stage (Course less than 1 year) of psychosis. Identifying SPD may be useful in early detection of psychosis especially in detecting the genetic risk syndromes and can be integrated with existing prodromal screen tools to improve its efficiency.

Subtypes of psychotic-like experiences are differentially associated with suicidal ideation, plans and attempts in young adults

Psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) have been associated with increased risk of suicidality, but it is unclear whether the level of risk varies with different types of PLE. A cross-sectional online survey was completed by 1610 university students. Respondents completed the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences-15 (CAPE-P15) assessing PLEs on three subscales: Perceptual Abnormalities (PA), Persecutory Ideation (PI) and Bizarre Experiences (BE). Lifetime suicidal ideation, plans and attempts, cannabis, ecstasy and methamphetamine use and family history of mental disorder were also assessed. Multinomal logistic regression was used to examine unique determinants of lifetime suicidality, defined as any history of (i) suicidal ideation or plans and (ii) any attempt, relative to no lifetime history of suicidality. A lifetime history of PA and PI provided significant unique contributions to the prediction of suicide risk, after control for other significant predictors. BE were not associated with any suicide variable demonstrating the variation in risk of suicidality with different types of PLEs. Perceptual abnormalities and persecutory ideation as measured by the CAPE-P15 are the PLEs associated with a higher risk of lifetime suicidality.

A population-based study of the risk of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder associated with parent-child separation during development.

There is growing interest in the role of childhood adversities, including parental death and separation, in the etiology of psychotic disorders. However, few studies have used prospectively collected data to specifically investigate parental separation across development, or assessed the importance of duration of separation, and family characteristics. We measured three types of separation not due to death: maternal, paternal, and from both parents, across the ages of 1-15 years among a cohort of 985 058 individuals born in Denmark 1971-1991 and followed to 2011. Associations with narrowly and broadly defined schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in the psychiatric register were assessed in terms of separation occurrence, age of separation, and number of years separated. Interactions with parental history of mental disorder were assessed. Each type of separation was associated with all three outcomes, adjusting for age, sex, birth period, calendar year, family history of mental disorder, urbanicity at birth and parental age. Number of years of paternal separation was positively associated with both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Associations between separation from both parents and schizophrenia were stronger when separation occurred at later ages, while those with bipolar disorder remained stable across development. The first occurrence of paternal separation appeared to increase risk more when it occurred earlier in childhood. Associations differed according to parental history of mental disorder, although in no situation was separation protective. Effects of parental separation may differ by type, developmental timing and family characteristics. These findings highlight the importance of considering such factors in studies of childhood adversity.

Prevalence, psychosocial correlates and service utilization of depressive and anxiety disorders in Hong Kong: the Hong Kong Mental Morbidity Survey (HKMMS).

Data on mental disorder prevalence and health service utilization required to inform healthcare management and planning are lacking in Hong Kong. The current study determined the prevalence of common mental disorders (CMD), and examined the patterns of mental health service utilization and associated factors. We analyzed data from the Hong Kong Mental Morbidity Survey (HKMMS) of 5,719 Chinese adults aged 16-75years in the general Hong Kong population, using the Chinese Revised Clinical Interview Schedule (CIS-R). The weighted prevalence estimate for any past-week CMD was 13.3%, with mixed anxiety and depressive disorder being the most frequent diagnoses. CMD was positively associated with female gender, being divorced or separated, alcohol misuse, substance dependence, lack of regular physical exercise, and a family history of mental disorder. Among individuals with CMD, only 26% had consulted mental health services in the past year; less than 10% consulted general practitioners or family physicians. Lack of mental health service usage was significantly more likely in men and those with lower educational attainment. Apart from attention to psychosocial risks, health and lifestyle factors are important considerations for mental health promotion. Service utilization for individuals with CMD in Hong Kong remains suboptimal, and would be enhanced by strengthening community primary care.

The CCC2000 Birth Cohort Study of Register-Based Family History of Mental Disorders and Psychotic Experiences in Offspring.

Psychotic experiences (PE) in individuals of the general population are hypothesized to mark the early expression of the pathology underlying psychosis. This notion of PE as an intermediate phenotype is based on the premise that PE share genetic liability with psychosis. We examined whether PE in childhood was predicted by a family history of mental disorder with psychosis rather than a family history of nonpsychotic mental disorder and whether this association differed by severity of PE. The study examined data on 1632 children from a general population birth cohort assessed at age 11-12 years by use of a semistructured interview covering 22 psychotic symptoms. The Danish national registers were linked to describe the complete family history of hospital-based psychiatric diagnoses. Uni- and multivariable logistic regressions were used to test whether a family history of any mental disorder with psychosis, or of nonpsychotic mental disorder, vs no diagnoses was associated with increased risk of PE in offspring (hierarchical exposure variable). The occurrence of PE in offspring was significantly associated with a history of psychosis among the first-degree relatives (adjusted relative risk [RR] = 3.29, 95% CI: 1.82-5.93). The risk increased for combined hallucinations and delusions (adjusted RR = 5.90, 95% CI: 2.64-13.16). A history of nonpsychotic mental disorders in first-degree relatives did not contribute to the risk of PE in offspring nor did any mental disorder among second-degree relatives. Our findings support the notion of PE as a vulnerability marker of transdiagnostic psychosis. The effect of psychosis in first-degree relatives may operate through shared genetic and environmental factors.

Psychosocial determinants of postpartum depression

Objective. To evaluate the severity of postpartum depression for maternity cases in the first week after childbirth, and to establish the impact of the psychosocial factors on the occurrence of postnatal depression. Background. The study involved 285 women, who gave birth at the University Hospital No. 2 in Bydgoszcz. Methods. The study used the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), original questionnaire and medical records. Results. In the first week after the birth, 66 parturients received score ≥12 points on the EPDS, which is 23.2%. The average level of postpartum depression was significantly higher in the group of women who had experienced stressful life events during pregnancy. The presence of relatives during childbirth significantly reduced the level of postpartum depression. The dependent correlation was obtained between the memory of labor as a "traumatic experience", and the incidence of postpartum depression. In a sample of women who developed the postpartum depression, the percentage of anxiety cases due to motherhood was significantly higher. The dependent correlation was found between mental disorders occurring before pregnancy and the incidents of postnatal depression. In the group of women with postpartum depression, the percent of cases of mental illnesses in the family was significantly higher. There is a connection between an unfavorable economic situation of women and the occurrence of PPD. Conclusions. The prevalence of postpartum depression in first week after childbirth was estimated at 23.2%. Psychosocial determinants of postpartum depression include stressful life events during pregnancy, childbirth without the presence of relatives, the negative memory of labor, anxiety due to motherhood, the incidence of mental illness before pregnancy, family history of mental disorders and the unfavorable economic situation. There was no association between the lack of social support and the incidence of postpartum depression.

The association between family history of mental disorders and general cognitive ability.

There is an emerging literature linking cognitive ability with a wide range of psychiatric disorders. These findings have led to the hypothesis that diminished ‘cognitive reserve' is a causal risk factor for psychiatric disorders. However, it is also feasible that a family history of mental disorders may confound this relationship, by contributing to both a slight impairment in cognitive ability, and an increased risk of psychiatric disorder. On the basis of a large, population-based sample of young adult male conscripts (n=160 608), we examined whether the presence of a family history of a range of mental disorders was associated with cognitive ability, as tested by the Børge Priens Prøve. In those with no individual-level history of mental disorder, a family-level history of a mental disorder was associated with a slight reduction in cognitive ability. In general, this pattern was found regardless of the nature of the psychiatric disorder in the family. Our study suggests that shared familial factors may underpin both cognitive ability and the risk of a wide range of psychiatric disorders. Convergent evidence from epidemiology and genetics suggests that shared genetic factors underpin an unexpectedly diverse range of psychiatric disorders. On the basis of the findings of the current study, we speculate that these same shared genetic factors also contribute to general cognitive ability.

Childhood residential mobility, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder: a population-based study in Denmark.

Childhood adversity is gaining increasing attention as a plausible etiological factor in the development of psychotic disorders. Childhood residential mobility is a potential risk factor that has received little attention in this context. We used registry data to estimate associations of residential mobility with narrow and broad schizophrenia and bipolar disorder across the course of childhood among 1.1 million individuals born in Denmark 1971-1991 and followed from age 15 through 2010. We assessed effect modification by sex, family history of mental disorder, the presence of siblings close in age, and distance moved. In individual-year models adjusted for family history, urbanicity at birth, and parental age, mobility at all ages except the year of birth was associated with heightened risk of narrow and broad schizophrenia, and risk increased with age at moving and with the number of moves. Further adjustment for mobility at all ages 0-15 revealed associations mainly during the latter half of childhood, which were strongest during adolescence. Associations between mobility and bipolar disorder were fewer and weaker compared to schizophrenia. There was modest evidence of interaction with family history of psychiatric diagnosis, but little evidence for interaction by sex, the presence of closely-aged siblings, or distance moved. Schizophrenia associations did not appear attributable to increased mobility among adolescents with earlier onset. Mobility may increase risk for psychotic disorders, particularly schizophrenia. Children may be especially vulnerable during adolescence. Future research should investigate the importance of school changes and the potential for interaction with genetic risk.

Association of socioeconomic status in childhood with major depression and generalized anxiety disorder: results from the World Mental Health Japan survey 2002-2006.

BackgroundLow socioeconomic status (SES) in childhood is known to be a significant risk factor for mental disorders in Western societies. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a similar association exists in Japan.MethodsWe used data from the World Mental Health Japan Survey conducted from 2002–2006 (weighted N = 1,682). Respondents completed diagnostic interviews that assessed lifetime prevalence of major depression (MD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. Associations between parental education (a proxy of SES in childhood) and lifetime onset of both disorders were estimated and stratified by gender using discrete-time survival analysis.ResultsAmong women, high parental education was positively associated with MD (odds ratio [OR]: 1.81, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-3.18) in comparison with low parental education, even after adjustment for age, childhood characteristics, and SES in adulthood. This same effect was not found for men. In contrast, higher parental education was associated with GAD (OR: 6.84, 95% CI: 1.62-28.94) in comparison with low parental education among men, but this association was not found among the women, in the fully adjusted model.ConclusionsIn Japan, childhood SES is likely to be positively associated with the lifetime onset of mental disorders, regardless of family history of mental disorders, childhood physical illness, or SES in adulthood. Further study is required to replicate the current findings and elucidate the mechanism of the positive association between mental disorders and childhood SES.

Amygdala-Function Perturbations in Healthy Mid-Adolescents With Familial Liability for Depression

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have identified increased amygdala responses to negative stimuli as a risk marker of depression in adults, and as a state marker of depression in adults and adolescents. Hyperreactivity of the amygdala has been linked to negatively biased emotional processing in depression. However, no study has elucidated whether similar amygdala perturbations can be found in healthy mid-adolescents with familial liability for depression. We hypothesized that healthy 14-year-olds with relatives with depression would demonstrate increased amygdala responses to negative stimuli, as compared with their peers with no family history of mental disorders. We investigated a community-based sample of 164 typically developing 14-year-olds without record of past or current mental disorders. Of these individuals, 28 fulfilled criteria for family history of depression, and 136 served as controls. Groups did not differ with regard to cognitive ability, depressive symptomatology, and anxiety. During fMRI they performed a perceptual discrimination task in which visual target and distractor stimuli varied systematically with regard to emotional valence. Both a hypothesis-driven region-of-interest analysis and a whole-brain analysis of variance revealed that negative distractors elicited greater amygdala activation in adolescents with a family history of depression compared to controls. Amygdala responses also differed during the processing of negative target stimuli, but effects were reversed. Our study demonstrates that familial liability for depression is associated with correlates of negatively biased emotional processing in healthy adolescents. Amygdala perturbations during the processing of negative stimuli might reflect an early and subtle risk marker for depression.