Recorded presentation

Julie A. Leis, Jennifer L. Tanner, PhD, and Helen Reinherz, ScD. School of Social Work, Simmons College, 300 The Fenway, Boston, MA 02115, N/A, jennifer.tanner@simmons.edu

Childhood and adolescent psychiatric disorder undermines young adult functioning (Reinherz, et al., 2003). This current study investigates whether impaired functioning during young adulthood differs between three groups of young adults (age 30): young adults with (1) history of childhood/adolescent psychiatric disorder (n=170), (2) adult onset disorder (19 to 30) (n=115), and (3) no history of psychiatric disorder (n=54). Data are drawn from a 28-year longitudinal study (1976 to 2004) of the mental health and adaptation of a community sample. Psychiatric disorder was assessed at ages 18, 21, 26, and 30 using the DIS; measures of young adult functioning assessed mental health, psychosocial adjustment, and markers of adult attainment (i.e., education, SES). Results from a series of 3(group) x 2(sex) ANOVAs and logistic regressions indicated that young adults without history of psychiatric disorder were functioning better at age 30 than young adults with histories of childhood/adolescent psychiatric disorder. Overall, follow-up tests indicated significant group differences: young adults without disorder reported fewer total problem behaviors, higher social and occupational functioning, higher educational attainment, higher SES, higher self-esteem, and higher emotional stability at age 30 than young adults who reported childhood/adolescent onset. Functioning of young adults with adult onset psychiatric disorder was not significantly different from other groups. No sex differences were revealed. Childhood and adolescent onset psychiatric disorder casts shadows on young adult functioning. Beyond underscoring the need for child and adolescent mental health prevention and intervention efforts, these findings suggest that young adults remain in critical need of mental health services.

Learning Objectives:

• (1) Describe differences in young adult functioning predicted by childhood and adolescent onset psychiatric disorder.
• (2) Discuss the comparative risk for impaired young adult functioning between young adults with histories of childhood/adolescent psychiatric disorder vs. adult onset psychiatric disorder.
• (3) Articulate the need for mental health intervention and prevention services during childhood and adolescence and young adulthood.

Keywords: Mental Disorders, Adult and Child Mental Health

Related Web page: www.simmons.edu/gssw/sls

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation