Formal and informal mental health support in young adults with recurrently depressed parents

A family history of mental illness, particularly parental depression, is a risk factor for mental health difficulties in young people, with this heightened risk extending into adulthood. Evidence suggests low rates of formal mental health support in children/adolescents with depressed parents, but it is unknown whether this pattern persists into adulthood and applies to informal support.

We examined the prevalence of formal and informal mental health support accessed by young adults with recurrently depressed parents. We identified factors associated with access to different support, and report satisfaction with support.

The sample included 144 young adults (mean age 23 years, range 18-28 years) who completed psychiatric assessments and reported on their use of mental health support in a cross-sectional analysis of a longitudinal cohort study (wave 4). Regression analyses explored predictors for support.

Young adults accessed a range of formal (29%) and informal (56%) support. Among those with a psychiatric disorder, nearly half had not accessed formal support and a fifth had not accessed any support. Predictors of support included psychiatric disorder, severity indicators (e.g. self-harm/suicidal thoughts, impairment) and demographic factors (e.g. education, gender). Predictors varied by type of support. Most participants reported satisfaction with support.

Young adults at high risk of mental disorders accessed various mental health support. However, many did not access/receive support when needed. Further work is required to improve access to tailored support.