Research reportLongitudinal symptom course in adults with recurrent depression: Impact on impairment and risk of psychopathology in offspring

•We identified three distinct parent depression symptom classes.•The identified classes reflected asymptomatic, mild and chronic high depression symptoms.•Parent depression classes were associated with their own health and social impairment.•Parent depression classes were associated with psychopathology in their offspring.•Even minimal parent symptoms over time were associated with increased offspring risk.

BackgroundMajor depressive disorder (MDD) is common and is associated with an increased risk of psychopathology in offspring. However, depression shows considerable heterogeneity in its course over time. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between parent depression symptom trajectories and (i) quality of life and social impairment and (ii) psychiatric disorder and depression symptoms in their offspring.MethodParticipants were from a longitudinal study of 337 parents with recurrent MDD and their adolescent offspring. Families were assessed on three occasions over four years. Parent depressive symptoms and current MDD diagnosis were assessed using the Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry. Adult quality of life and social impairment were derived from the EuroQol and current employment status. Psychiatric outcomes in offspring were assessed using the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Assessment.ResultsUsing latent class growth analysis, three distinct classes of parental depression symptoms were identified (asymptomatic, mild, and chronic high). Parent depression classes were associated with their own quality of life and social impairment, and with psychiatric disorder and depression symptoms in their offspring.Limitations(i) We were unable to test associations with specific offspring disorders, (ii) we did not address the direction of effects underlying associations, and (iii) the sample consisted primarily of mothers and findings may not generalise to depressed fathers.ConclusionLongitudinal assessments of depressive symptoms in parents could help to identify families who are most in need of early intervention.