A new study has shown that children who experience frequent moves before the age of 15 are over 40% more likely to be diagnosed with depression in adulthood.
Published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, this research analyzed the residential histories of nearly 1.1 million individuals born in Denmark between 1981 and 2001, tracking them into adulthood to assess the impact of childhood moves on mental health.
The study found that at least 35,000 of these individuals, who continued to reside in Denmark, were diagnosed with depression later in life.
The research also supported existing evidence showing that growing up in income-deprived neighborhoods increases the likelihood of developing depression by about 10%.
However, the study broke new ground by revealing that moving during childhood, regardless of whether the move was to a deprived or non-deprived neighborhood, significantly raises the risk of adult depression.
Specifically, children who moved once between the ages of 10 and 15 were 41% more likely to be diagnosed with depression compared to those who did not move.
For those who moved twice or more in this age range, the risk increased to approximately 61%, indicating a stronger effect than living in a deprived neighborhood.
Researchers from Aarhus University (Denmark), the University of Plymouth (UK), and the University of Manchester (UK) conducted the study. Professor Clive Sabel, lead author and Professor of Big Data and Spatial Science at the University of Plymouth, emphasized the potential impact of these findings.
He noted, “This is the first evidence to suggest that moving to a new neighborhood during childhood is linked to mental illness, and the numbers we are seeing could be just the tip of the iceberg.”
Sabel explained that frequent moves during formative years disrupt children’s social networks and routines, which can be challenging. Children build their social connections through school, sports, and other activities, and each move requires adaptation to new environments, which can be disruptive.
The global context underscores the significance of this study. Estimates suggest that up to 13% of the world’s population lives with some form of mental health condition, with the economic burden projected to rise to $6 trillion by 2030.
While the causes of mental health conditions are complex, involving biological, socioeconomic, and psychological factors, there is growing evidence that environmental factors also play a crucial role.
Previous studies worldwide have linked frequent childhood moves to adverse outcomes such as attempted suicide, violent behavior, mental illness, and substance abuse. Although this study focused on the Danish population, the researchers believe the findings are applicable to other regions as well.
Professor Sabel highlighted the importance of policies supporting stable childhood environments, taking into account regional and cultural differences.
He also pointed out that certain groups, such as children in care and military families, might be at heightened risk due to frequent relocations. These children may need additional support to mitigate the risk of developing mental health issues later in life.
In summary, the study emphasizes the critical impact of a stable home environment during childhood on long-term mental health. The findings suggest that minimizing moves during formative years could be a key strategy in preventing depression and improving overall mental well-being.
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The research findings can be found in JAMA Psychiatry.
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