Recurrence of major depression in adolescence and early adulthood, and later mental health, educational and economic outcomes

It is unclear how the recurrence of major depression in adolescence affects later life outcomes. To examine the associations between the frequency of major depression at ages 16-21 and later outcomes, both before and after controlling for potentially confounding factors. Data were gathered from a 25-year longitudinal study of a birth cohort of New Zealand children (n=982). Outcome measures included DSM-IV symptom criteria for major depression and anxiety disorders, suicidal ideation and attempted suicide, achieving university degree or other tertiary education qualification, welfare dependence and unemployment, and income at ages 21-25 years. There were significant (P