Association between depression status in adolescents and cognitive performance over the subsequent six years: A longitudinal study

Adolescent depression is a common mental health problem and is sometimes associated with cognitive impairments. However, existing research regarding the association between depression status in adolescents and cognitive performance over the subsequent years is relatively paucity. The present study used longitudinal data from four waves (2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018) of the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) to explore the associations between adolescent depression status in 2012 and cognitive performance (measured by immediate word recall, delayed word recall, number series tests, mathematics, and vocabulary) over the subsequent years. A total of 1055 (51.72 %), 1115 (54.66 %), and 879 (43.09 %) of the 2040 adolescents identified in 2012 were followed up in 2014, 2016, and 2018, respectively. We found that adolescent depression status consistently showed a negative association with cognitive performance at the measurement points over six years. The associations were retained for most cognitive outcomes after controlling for a variety of confounding factors (adolescents, parental, and family characteristics). The findings of this study provide more evidence of the association between depression status in adolescents and cognitive performance. Additionally, it highlights the importance of focusing on cognitive impairment in patients with depression more broadly, especially during adolescence, a critical period for cognitive development.