J Affect Disord. 2024 Jul 28:S0165-0327(24)01115-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.07.056. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Group differences in longitudinal patterns of child and adolescent depressive symptoms are commonly observed. However, the implications for adult mental health are unclear. This study presents a systematic review of child and adolescent depressive trajectory research and meta-analysis of their longitudinal effects on adult depressive symptoms and disorders.

METHODS: A systematic search identified 12 longitudinal studies (12 cohorts, N = 35,058) that were harmonized to identify common symptom trajectories prior to age 18 years. Examination of follow-up in the same groups was made to estimate longitudinal associations with adult depressive symptoms and disorders, using random effects meta-analyses.

RESULTS: The included studies identified Low (70.3 %), Moderate (17.9 %), High (9.5 %), Increasing (9.5 %) and Decreasing (5.1 %) symptom trajectories. These trajectories were found to predict variation in symptoms and disorders in adulthood: Low, Dx = 4.5 %, 95 % CI 2.7-6.8 %, Sx = 8.33, SD = 6.30; Moderate, Dx = 20.9 %, CI 11.9-31.5 % – Sx = 18.13, SD = 3.38; High, Dx = 34.4 % CI 17.2-54.0 % – Sx = 38.80, SD = 7.75; Increasing, Dx = 38.3 %, CI 12.7-67.5 % – Sx = 24.73, SD = 18.64; Decreasing, Dx = 15.4 %, CI 10.5-20.9 % – Sx = 17.00, SD = 12.18.

LIMITATIONS: Confidence intervals are wide for some trajectory effects. There was significant between-cohort heterogeneity in predictive effects for High trajectories, suggesting the need for further research to identify characteristics influencing variation.

CONCLUSION: Low symptom trajectories forecast lower adult depression symptoms and disorders. Programs effectively targeting reductions in Moderate, High, Increasing and Decreasing trajectories will likely prevent problems in early adulthood.

PMID:39079604 | DOI:10.1016/j.jad.2024.07.056