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Longitudinal symptom course in adults with recurrent depression: impact on impairment and risk of psychopathology in offspring

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 03:37 authored by Becky Mars, Stephan Collishaw, Gemma Hammerton, Frances Rice, Gordon Harold, Daniel Smith, Rhys Bevan Jones, Ruth Sellers, Robert Potter, Nicolas Craddock, Ajay K Thapar, Jon Heron, Anita Thapar
Background Major depressive disorder (MDD) is common and is associated with an increased risk of psychopathology in offspring. However, depression shows considerable heterogeneity in its course over time. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between parent depression symptom trajectories and (i) quality of life and social impairment and (ii) psychiatric disorder and depression symptoms in their offspring. Method Participants were from a longitudinal study of 337 parents with recurrent MDD and their adolescent offspring. Families were assessed on three occasions over four years. Parent depressive symptoms and current MDD diagnosis were assessed using the Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry. Adult quality of life and social impairment were derived from the EuroQol and current employment status. Psychiatric outcomes in offspring were assessed using the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Assessment. Results Using latent class growth analysis, three distinct classes of parental depression symptoms were identified (asymptomatic, mild, and chronic high). Parent depression classes were associated with their own quality of life and social impairment, and with psychiatric disorder and depression symptoms in their offspring. Limitations (i) We were unable to test associations with specific offspring disorders, (ii) we did not address the direction of effects underlying associations, and (iii) the sample consisted primarily of mothers and findings may not generalise to depressed fathers. Conclusion Longitudinal assessments of depressive symptoms in parents could help to identify families who are most in need of early intervention. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Journal of Affective Disorders

ISSN

0165-0327

Publisher

Elsevier

Volume

182

Page range

32-38

Department affiliated with

  • Psychology Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2016-10-20

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2016-10-20

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