Childhood-onset depression increase risk of newly diagnosed chronic lung diseases in elderly: Study

A new study published in the journal of BMC Psychiatry showed that adults diagnosed with depression before the age of 16 had a 31% increased chance of developing new chronic illnesses beyond the age of 65.

Depression that began in childhood has been identified as a possible risk factor for poor health outcomes in later life. Long-term physiological and behavioural changes, like dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, chronic inflammation, and poor lifestyle habits, can be brought on by early-life mood disorders and put people at risk for chronic illnesses as they age.

According to recent studies, those who experienced depression as children are more likely to acquire neurodegenerative illnesses, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease beyond the age of 65. Comprehending this correlation highlights the enduring influence of early mental health and the necessity of prompt intervention to reduce late-life illness. Therefore, this study explored the relationship between newly diagnosed chronic illnesses beyond age 65 and depression that began in infancy.

Data from 15 waves (1992–2018) of the Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (HRS) comprised 12,314 respondents. The risk ratio (RR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to estimate the relationship. 8 chronic conditions that were newly identified beyond the age of 65 were included in the chronic illness outcomes: hypertension, diabetes, cancer, chronic lung disease, heart difficulties, stroke, emotional/psychiatric disorders, and arthritis.

1.The results showed that individuals with childhood-onset depression had a significantly higher risk of newly diagnosed chronic diseases after age 65 compared to those without it (RR 1.31, 95% CI 1.12–1.52; p < 0.01).

2. Additionally, newly diagnosed chronic lung diseases (RR 1.53, 95% CI 1.04–2.16; Bonferroni-adjusted p = 0.002) and emotional/psychiatric problems (RR 2.17, 95% CI 1.34–3.31; Bonferroni-adjusted p = 0.05/8) were also found to be significant.

Overall, childhood-onset depression has long-term negative effects on later life and is associated with an increased risk of newly diagnosed chronic illnesses after age 65, including cancer, chronic lung disease, and emotional or psychiatric issues. Depression may significantly influence the onset, progression, and prognosis of chronic illnesses.

Source:

Li, Z., Liu, Z., Luo, Y., Wei, Z., Huang, R., He, L., Li, R., Hu, X., & Peng, X. (2025). Childhood-onset depression and newly diagnosed chronic diseases after age 65: a large longitudinal cohort study. BMC Psychiatry, 25(1), 1025. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-025-07494-9