Research out of the School of Public Health at the University at Albany says that people who face adversity as children are at a significantly greater risk for depression as adults. The researchers explain that more than half of adults report one or more adverse childhood events, especially parental, health or financial hardships. These types of problems have in the past been associated with depression in later life, so the researchers decided to track the trajectories of groups of children and measure their level of adversity in childhood against the presence of depression. They believe that these types of ‘adversity screenings’ can help identify children who are at risk of mental illness and target intervention programs.
The University at Albany is a member of NYSERNet’s R&E network. Learn more about the study here: https://www.albany.edu/news/91409.php