Abstract
Purpose
Both epidemiological (unselected) and high risk (screening on known risk criteria) samplings have been used to investigate
the course of affective disorders. Selecting individuals on multiple risk criteria may create a sample not comparable to individuals
with similar risk criteria within the general population. This study compared depressive symptoms across the two sampling
methods to test this possibility.
the course of affective disorders. Selecting individuals on multiple risk criteria may create a sample not comparable to individuals
with similar risk criteria within the general population. This study compared depressive symptoms across the two sampling
methods to test this possibility.
Methods
The high risk Cambridge Hormones and Moods Project (CHAMP) screened and recruited adolescents aged 12 to 16. A total of 905
(710 high risk) individuals participated and were reassessed at three follow-ups. The ROOTS epidemiological sample consisted
of 1,208 14-year-olds reassessed at 15.5 and 17 years. The risk profile for CHAMP was recreated in the ROOTS study. Both samples
completed the Moods and Feelings Questionnaire, a self-report measure of current depressive symptoms.
(710 high risk) individuals participated and were reassessed at three follow-ups. The ROOTS epidemiological sample consisted
of 1,208 14-year-olds reassessed at 15.5 and 17 years. The risk profile for CHAMP was recreated in the ROOTS study. Both samples
completed the Moods and Feelings Questionnaire, a self-report measure of current depressive symptoms.
Results
Comparing individuals with the same high risk profiles across the CHAMP and ROOTS studies revealed no significant differences
in mean depression scores. Combining the samples revealed that for females, mean depression scores were maintained from 12
to 15 years then declined by 17 years. For males, scores declined from 12 throughout adolescence. High risk status led to
consistently higher levels of depressive symptoms in female adolescents but result in little change within male adolescents.
in mean depression scores. Combining the samples revealed that for females, mean depression scores were maintained from 12
to 15 years then declined by 17 years. For males, scores declined from 12 throughout adolescence. High risk status led to
consistently higher levels of depressive symptoms in female adolescents but result in little change within male adolescents.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s00127-011-0441-1
- Authors
- Michelle C. St Clair, Department of Psychiatry, Developmental and Lifecourse Research Group, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18b Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK
- Ian M. Goodyer, Department of Psychiatry, Developmental and Lifecourse Research Group, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18b Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK
- Valerie Dunn, Department of Psychiatry, Developmental and Lifecourse Research Group, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18b Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK
- Joe Herbert, Department of Physiology, Development and Neurosciences, Cambridge Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Peter B. Jones, Department of Psychiatry, Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Tim Croudace, Department of Psychiatry, Developmental and Lifecourse Research Group, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18b Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH UK
- Journal Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
- Online ISSN 1433-9285
- Print ISSN 0933-7954