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The Development of Mental Health Difficulties in Young People With and Without Developmental Language Disorder: A
Umar Toseeb1, John Vincent1, Olakunle A Oginni2,3
1Department of Education, University of York, United Kingdom.
Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research : JSLHR
|April 11, 2023
Summary
Young people with developmental language disorder (DLD) experience more mental health difficulties, influenced by cumulative genetic and environmental risks. These risks may be amplified in individuals with DLD, highlighting the need for targeted support.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Developmental Psychology
- Genetics
Background:
- Young people with developmental language disorder (DLD) exhibit poorer mental health outcomes compared to their peers.
- Individual differences in mental health challenges among youth with DLD are not fully understood.
- Investigating the interplay of genetic and environmental factors is crucial for understanding these disparities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the genetic and environmental influences on mental health difficulties in young people.
- To determine if developmental language disorder (DLD) modifies the impact of genetic and environmental risks on mental health.
- To identify developmental trajectories of mental health in youth with and without DLD.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children cohort.
- Inclusion of 6,387 young people, with 8.7% diagnosed with DLD.
- Application of regression and latent class models to track mental health from age 7 to 16.
Main Results:
- Polygenic scores for psychiatric disorders predicted mental health difficulties in all participants.
- Developmental language disorder (DLD) appeared to amplify mental health issues in those with high genetic risk.
- Distinct mental health trajectories were identified, with individuals with DLD more likely to experience persistently high difficulties.
- Genetic risk, socioeconomic status, and early environment influenced mental health trajectories similarly across DLD status.
Conclusions:
- Genetic and environmental factors cumulatively impact mental health in young people, irrespective of DLD status.
- Evidence suggests that genetic risks for psychiatric disorders may be more pronounced in individuals with DLD.
- Findings underscore the complex interplay of genetic predisposition and environmental factors in shaping mental health trajectories.
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