The Long-Term Outcomes of Prepubertal Depression and Internalizing Problems: A Scoping Review

Conclusion The reviewed studies provide limited evidence that prepubertal depression onset predicts adult depression. The small evidence base and heterogeneous methodological assessments may limit, however, the ability to draw meaningful conclusions about the long-term course of prepubertal-onset depression. Well-designed studies with longer follow-up and multiple assessments in adulthood are needed to clarify and assess the potential effects of prepubertal depression on adult health and functioning. This information will eventually become available as the samples in recently initiated longitudinal cohort studies of children mature further.
Source: Harvard Review of Psychiatry - Category: Psychiatry Tags: Review Source Type: research