Several long-term follow-up studies investigate the progression of adolescent onset
major depressive disorder but much less explore short and long-term consequences and
prognosis into adulthood of childhood- onset depression. The aim of the present study
is to follow childhood-onset depression, lifetime comorbid psychiatric disorders and
suicidal behavior into adulthood.Subjects (N=166) were 25.95+2.42 years old on average,
54.2% were women. Follow-up period lasted for a mean of 14.74+1.31 years. Psychiatric
diagnosis was assessed by a DSM-IV based semi-structured interview. Subjects reported
on 4 stages of suicidal behavior as one of the symptoms of depressive disorder.The
onset of the first depressive episode was at the mean age of 10.17+2.34 years. 40,4%
of the sample had only 1 episode while recurrent depressive episode presented in 32.5%
above 18 years of age. Lifetime comorbid psychiatric disorders were present in more
than 1/3 of the sample. The most frequent lifetime comorbidity was anxiety (42.4%),
and specific phobia among anxiety disorders. Lifetime attention deficit-hyperactivity
disorder and oppositional/conduct disorder were also frequent (25.9% and 16.9%, respectively).
Suicidal behavior was not present life-time in 19.1% of the sample. Thoughts of death
and thoughts of suicide were quite frequent (80.8% and 69.5%, respectively), specific
plans and suicidal attempt were more frequent in girls (plan:female vs male 53.9%
vs 38.4%, attempt: 33.3% vs 9.6%) during follow-up.About one-third of childhood-onset
depression had recurrence above 18 years of age, which is lower than the recurrence
rate for adolescent onset depression. A high rate of lifetime comorbidity was found
between depression and anxiety disorders. The assessment of the actual level of suicidal
behavior is important in the prevention of selfdestructive behavior.
