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Advances in Psychiatric Treatment (2004) 10: 4-12
© 2004 The Royal College of Psychiatrists

Depression in young adults

Daniel J. Smith and Douglas H. R. Blackwood

Daniel Smith is a research fellow in the Division of Psychiatry at the University of Edinburgh (Kennedy Tower, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Morningside Park, Edinburgh, EH10 5HF, UK. Tel: +44 (0)131 537 6526; fax: +44 (0)131 537 6129; e-mail: daniel.smith{at}ed.ac.uk). He is currently involved in a neuropsychological and genetic study of mood disorders in young adults (funded by the Kate Hodgson Memorial Fellowship). Douglas Blackwood is Professor of Psychiatric Genetics at the University of Edinburgh and an honorary consultant psychiatrist to Lothian Primary Care NHS Trust.

Depression, as a heterogeneous collection of disorders, is likely to include subgroups that are more genetic in origin. In common with other neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease and Huntington’s disease, earlier age at onset in depression is associated with higher genetic loading and poorer long-term outcome. Adolescents and young adults with depression are also at high risk of developing a bipolar illness. This article reviews depressive illnesses that occur for the first time in adolescence and young adulthood. Case studies are used to discuss atypical presentations and the evolving concept of bipolar-spectrum disorders.




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