Preadult onset vs. adult onset of major depressive disorder: a replication study

In the first 1500 participants with major depressive disorder (MDD) that entered the sequenced treatment alternatives to relieve depression (STAR*D) study, those with preadult onset MDD were more likely to be women and to have a more chronic, severe and disabling form of depression than those with adult onset MDD. This study seeks to replicate these findings.

The second wave of STAR*D enrollees included 2541 out-patients with MDD, divided into preadult (before age 18) and adult (age 18 or later) onset groups.

Participants with a preadult onset of MDD (38%) were younger, ill for longer and more likely to be women than those with adult onset MDD (62%). After adjusting for age, duration of illness and gender, participants with preadult onset MDD also had higher rates of family history of depression, more past suicide attempts, and lower rates of obsessive compulsive and panic disorder.

Preadult onset MDD may be associated with a more familial form of depression with more suicidality than adult onset MDD.