Abstract
There are few studies on the predictors of long-term course of major depressive disorder (MDD) with an onset in childhood and adolescence. Studies have relied on variable-centered methods, utilizing psychosocial and clinical characteristics to predict depression outcomes. However, fewer studies have used person-centered approaches that rely on profiles of functioning to predict course and outcomes of depression. This study examined the long-term course and outcome of early onset depression as a function of profiles of psychosocial and clinical characteristics in adolescence. Participants from the Oregon Adolescent Depression Project with a history of MDD by study entry (Mage = 16.29 years) and who had follow-up assessments at age 30 were included (n = 215). Psychosocial and clinical constructs, including domains of internalizing problems, externalizing problems, correlates of internalizing problems, adolescent stress, and social support, were assessed in adolescence. Latent profile analyses found a 3-class solution with Low Negative Cognitive Style (LNCS; 27.9%); Internalizing and High Negative Cognitive Style (INT/HNCS; 53.9%); and Internalizing and High Negative Cognitive Style plus Poor Interpersonal Functioning and High Stress (INT/HNCS+ ; 18.1%). Overall, classes differed in depression morbidity, such that the INT/HNCS+ class had the greatest depression morbidity across follow-up assessments. Social adjustment differed between all classes, with the INT/HNCS+ class showing the worst functioning, the LNCS class showing the best functioning, and the INT/HNCS class falling in the middle. Patterns of clinical and psychosocial functioning were differentially associated with long-term depression and social adjustment among youth with depression.
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This work was supported by National Institute of Mental Health Grants R01MH66023 (Dr. Klein), R01 MH40501, R01 MH50522, R01 MH52858, and R01 DA012951 (Dr. Lewinsohn), and R01 MH107495 (Dr. Olino). We thank Peter M. Lewinsohn for his long-term support of the Oregon Adolescent Depression Project.
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Wojcieszak, Z.K., Mennies, R.J., Klein, D.N. et al. Latent Class Analysis of Adolescent Psychosocial Functioning and Course of Major Depression. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 49, 963–973 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-021-00791-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-021-00791-3