Major depression in the transition to adulthood: Risks and impairments

An ongoing longitudinal community study (N = 375) examined childhood risks and later adult impairments associated with 1-year Diagnostic and Statistic al,Mn,Manual of Mental Disorders (3rd ed., rev.; American Psychiatric Assoc iation, 1987) diagnoses of major depression during the transition to adulth ood. Risks from birth to age 9 were reported by mothers, participants, and teachers. Teacher-reported hostility at age 6 predicted later depression. A t age 9, self-perceptions of anxiety/depression, unpopularity. familial rej ection, and abuse were potent risks. For men, neonatal and childhood health problems predicted later depression. For women. risks included family cons tellation, parental death, and poor academic achievement at age 9. Men and women who were depressed at age 18, age 21, or both demonstrated extensive psychosocial impairments in early adulthood, including poor overall functio ning, interpersonal and behavioral problems, low self-esteem, and suicidali ty.