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Depression course, functional disability, and NEET status in young adults with mental health problems

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 March 2020

B. O’Dea
Affiliation:
University of New South Wales, Black Dog Institute, Randwick, Australia
R. Lee*
Affiliation:
University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, Australia
P. McGorry
Affiliation:
University of Melbourne, Orygen, Melbourne, Australia
I. Hickie
Affiliation:
University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, Australia
J. Scott
Affiliation:
Newcastle University, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
R. Purcell
Affiliation:
Swinburne University of Technology, Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science, Melbourne, Australia
E. Killackey
Affiliation:
University of Melbourne, Orygen, Melbourne, Australia
A. Yung
Affiliation:
University of Manchester, Institute of Brain, Behaviour and Mental Health, Manchester, Australia
D. Hermens
Affiliation:
University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, Australia
N. Glozier
Affiliation:
University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, Australia
*
*Corresponding author.

Abstract

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Introduction

Role functioning is key to optimal health and inoculates against life-long inequality. Depression is a leading cause of functional disability. In most cases, improved symptomatology corresponds with improved functioning; however, functioning does not always return to “normal”, despite symptom remission. Furthermore, the relationship between symptom remission and the likelihood of being Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) is unknown.

Objectives and aim

To examine the temporal associations between depression course, functioning, and NEET status in young adults with mental health problems.

Methods

A prospective and multisite clinical cohort study of young people aged 15–25 years seeking help from a primary mental health service (n = 448). Participants completed a clinical interview (incl. QIDS-C16) and self-report battery (incl. WHODAS 2.0, employment, education) at baseline which was repeated at 12-month follow-up whilst continuing treatment as usual.

Results

Remitted depression was significantly associated with improved functioning; however, 12 month functioning was still lower than the normative ranges for age-matched peers. Remittance of depression did not change the likelihood of being NEET. Only 10% of those who were NEET had received vocational support during the study.

Conclusion

Remittance of depression was associated with improved functioning but it did not reduce the likelihood of being NEET. This may be explained by economic influences or alternatively, a time lag may exist where improvements in functioning do not immediately correspond with reduced NEET rates. Lastly, there may be a scarring effect of depression such that change in NEET status requires an additional intervention to depression treatment.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Type
EW258
Copyright
Copyright © European Psychiatric Association 2016
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