Journal of Adolescent Health
Volume 41, Issue 3 , Pages 256-262, September 2007

Health Outcomes Related to Early Adolescent Depression

  • Danielle Keenan-Miller, M.A.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Psychology, University of California–Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress correspondence to: Danielle Keenan-Miller, M.A., UCLA Department of Psychology, 1285 Franz Hall, Los Angeles, CA 90095.
    • ,
  • Constance L. Hammen, Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Psychology, University of California–Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
    • ,
  • Patricia A. Brennan, Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia

Received 29 December 2006; received in revised form 26 March 2007 published online 12 July 2007.

Abstract 

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to examine whether early adolescent major depressive disorder was associated with negative health outcomes in young adulthood after controlling for depression at the time of follow-up. In addition, indicators of medical and social costs associated with these health consequences were measured.

Methods

A total of 705 adolescents participating in a longitudinal study of children varying in risk for depression due to maternal depression were assessed for a history of depression at age 15 years, depressive disorders at age 20, and a variety of health outcomes at age 20.

Results

Results showed that even after controlling for the effects of concurrent depression at age 20, early adolescent depression continued to be associated with poorer interviewer-rated health, poorer self-perceived general health, higher health care utilization and increased work impairment due to physical health, although not with limitations to physical functioning or the presence of chronic medical conditions.

Conclusions

Depression during early adolescence has consequences for health and associated costs during young adulthood. The implications of these findings for screening and treatment of adolescent depression are discussed.

Keywords: Depression, Adolescence, Health outcomes, Young adulthood, Functional impairment, Health care costs

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PII: S1054-139X(07)00185-1

doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2007.03.015

Journal of Adolescent Health
Volume 41, Issue 3 , Pages 256-262, September 2007

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