Physical Health Problems in Depressed and Nondepressed Children and Adolescents of Parents with Opiate Dependence

The increased risk of physical health problems in adult depressed patients has been shown in numerous studies. A recent study of the offspring of depressed parents found similar associations. The purpose of this study is to examine the strength and specificity of the association between depression and physical health problems in children and adolescents whose parents are dependent upon opiates. The sample consisted of offspring ages 6-17 (mean age 11 years) of opiate addicts who had a history of major depressive disorder (MDD; n = 28); other mood disorders (n = 31); no history of mood disorders but other psychiatric disorders (n = 92); or no history of psychiatric disorder (n = 127). Detailed psychiatric assessment and medical history of the offspring by direct interview with the offspring and an informant were obtained blind to parental diagnosis. After controlling for possible confounders, there was an increased risk of dermatological disorders, headache, other neurological/neuromuscular disorders, bronchitis, other respiratory disorders and hospitalizations for nonsurgical procedures in offspring with MDD, as compared to nonpsychiatrically ill controls. The offspring with other mood disorders had a slightly elevated risk. Major depression in children and adolescents whose parents are dependent on opiates is associated with increased risk of physical health problems. This finding is consistent with other reports and the timing of the physical health problems requires further study.