Depressive symptoms in adolescence as predictors of early adulthood depressive disorders and maladjustment.

OBJECTIVE

The authors examined the association between self-reported depressive symptoms in adolescence and mental well-being in early adulthood.

METHOD: A questionnaire assessing psychosocial well-being was given to a group of subjects (N=651) in their last 3 years of high school (mean age=16.8 years) and again when these subjects reached early adulthood (mean age=21.8 years). Diagnostic interview data were obtained from a subgroup of the young adults (N=245). Adolescents' depressive symptoms were analyzed in relation to their early adulthood mental health outcome data.

RESULTS

Depressive symptoms in adolescence predicted early adulthood depressive disorders (major depression and dysthymia), comorbidity, psychosocial impairment, and problem drinking.

CONCLUSIONS

Depressive symptoms in adolescence deserve attention as a potential risk for early adulthood mental disorders.