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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology

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01-12-2013 | Original Paper

The relationship between cognitive ability and depression: a longitudinal data analysis

Authors: A. Alexander Beaujean, Sonia Parker, Xiao Qiu

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 12/2013

Abstract

Purpose

There is literature indicating cognitive ability and depression are related, but few studies have examined the direction of the relationship. This study examined the relationship between depression levels and cognitive abilities from adolescence to early adulthood.

Methods

Using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (n = 14,322), this study used path modeling to investigate the relationship between depression and cognitive ability at baseline and again 8 years later.

Results

After controlling for initial levels of depression, cognitive ability, and other covariates, depressive symptoms in adolescence are related to cognitive ability in early adulthood, but adolescent cognitive ability is not related to adult depression levels. Moreover, after controlling for adolescent levels of depression and cognitive ability, the cognitive ability–depression relationship disappears in adulthood.

Conclusions

The cognitive ability–depression relationship appears early in life, and it is likely that the presence of depressive symptoms leads to lower cognitive ability. Thus, intervening at early signs of depression not only can help alleviate depression, but will likely have an effect of cognitive ability as well.

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Title: The relationship between cognitive ability and depression: a longitudinal data analysis
Authors: A. Alexander Beaujean
Sonia Parker
Xiao Qiu
Publication date: 01-12-2013
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 12/2013
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-013-0668-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The relationship between cognitive ability and depression: a longitudinal data analysis

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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