Predictors of first-episode unipolar major depression in individuals with and without sub-threshold depressive symptoms: A prospective, population-based study. Issue 2 (15th December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Peters, Amy T.; Shankman, Stewart A.; Deckersbach, Thilo; West, Amy E.
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Voume 230:Issue 2(2015)
• Page Start: 150
• Page End: 156
• Publication Date: 2015-12-15
• Subjects: Depression -- Sub-threshold -- Risk factors; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.08.030
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-1781

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The aim of this study is to assess predictors of first-episode major depression in a community-based sample of adults with and without sub-threshold depression. Method: Data were from Waves 1 and 2 of the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC). Participants meeting criteria for a sub-threshold depressive episode (sMDE; n =3901) reported lifetime depressed mood/loss of interest lasting at least two weeks and at least two of the seven other DSM-IV symptoms of MDD. Predictors of MDE 3 years later were compared in those with and without ( n =31022) sMDE. Results: Being female, history of alcohol or substance use, and child abuse increased the odds of developing MDD to a greater degree in individuals without sMDE relative to those with sMDE. Among those with sMDE and additional risk factors (low education, substance use), younger age was associated with marginally increased risk of MDD. Conclusion: Several demographic risk factors may help identify individuals at risk for developing MDD in individuals who have not experienced an sMDE who may be candidates for early intervention. Future work should assess whether preventative interventions targeting substance/alcohol use and child abuse could reduce the risk of depression. Highlights: Specificity of predictors of MDD onset vary in those with/ without past sub-threshold depression. Several predictors are stronger in individuals without a history of sub-threshold symptoms. Strength of predictors may vary according to age. The strongest predictor of first onset of MDD was a history of childhood abuse.