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Recent advances in depression across the generations.

Myrna M Weissman1

  • 1College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, Department of Clinical and Genetic Epidemiology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, Unit 24, New York, NY 10034, USA. mmw3@columbia.edu

Epidemiologia E Psichiatria Sociale
|April 6, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Depression is highly familial, often appearing across three generations. Early detection and treatment are crucial, especially for grandchildren with affected parents and grandparents.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Genetics
  • Developmental Psychology

Background:

  • Depression demonstrates significant familial aggregation.
  • Understanding intergenerational transmission is key for mental health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the transmission of depression across three generations.
  • To identify implications for early detection, treatment, and biological studies.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study design was employed.
  • Three generations from high or low-risk families for major depression were assessed.
  • Longitudinal follow-up of the first two generations for 20 years.

Main Results:

  • Depression is highly familial, spanning three generations.

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  • Over 60% of grandchildren (average age 12) with two affected generations exhibited psychopathology.
  • Anxiety disorders often precede depression, particularly in adolescent girls.

    • Conclusions:

    • Intergenerational transmission of depression presents opportunities for early detection and intervention.
    • Families with multi-generational depression are valuable for biological and genetic research.