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July 19, 2024 – A significant new study has revealed that frequent home moves during childhood can increase the risk of depression later in life. Published in JAMA Psychiatry, the research found that individuals who experienced multiple relocations before the age of 15 are over 40% more likely to be diagnosed with depression as adults.
Researchers from Aarhus University in Denmark, along with colleagues from the University of Plymouth and the University of Manchester, analyzed the residential histories of nearly 1.1 million people born in Denmark between 1981 and 2001. Tracking these individuals into adulthood, they discovered that at least 35,000 had received a medical diagnosis of depression.
Key Findings
- Increased Depression Risk: The study highlights that children who move once between ages 10 to 15 are 41% more likely to be diagnosed with depression compared to those who don’t move. If a child moves twice or more during this period, the risk increases to around 61%.
- Income Deprivation: Consistent with previous research, the study shows that children living in income-deprived neighborhoods are about 10% more likely to develop depression in adulthood.
- Impact of Relocation: For the first time, the study reveals that moving during childhood—whether between or within deprived or non-deprived neighborhoods—correlates with significantly higher rates of adult depression.
Implications for Mental Health
Professor Clive Sabel, the lead author and Professor of Big Data and Spatial Science at the University of Plymouth, emphasized the potential long-term impact of childhood relocations on mental health. “We know there are a number of factors which lead to a person being diagnosed with a mental illness. However, this is the first evidence to suggest that moving to a new neighborhood during childhood is among them, and we believe the numbers we are seeing could be the tip of the iceberg.”
Global Context
Mental health conditions affect up to 13% of the global population, with the economic burden expected to rise to $6 trillion by 2030. This study adds to the mounting evidence that natural, built, and social environments significantly influence mental health.
Vulnerable Populations
The study suggests that children in care or those from military families, who often experience multiple relocations, might be particularly at risk. Professor Sabel highlighted the importance of supportive policies to mitigate these risks, tailored to regional and cultural identities.
Future Directions
The findings underscore the necessity for global policies that foster stable childhood environments. While this research focused on the Danish population, the authors anticipate similar outcomes globally, reinforcing the need for international strategies to support mental health from a young age.
For further information, refer to the study: “Changing neighborhood income deprivation over time, moving in childhood and adult risk of depression,” JAMA Psychiatry (2024). DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.1382
