Moving During Childhood Increases Risk of Depression: Study

A new study reveals that moving during childhood significantly increases the risk of developing depression later in life. Researchers found that children who move even once between the ages of 10 to 15 are more likely to be diagnosed with depression as adults.

---

Key Findings

• Increased Risk with Moves: Children who move once between ages 10 to 15 are 41% more likely to develop depression compared to those who don’t move. The risk jumps to 61% for children who move multiple times in the same age range.
• Impact Across Neighborhoods: The study shows that the increased risk is present whether children move within the same neighborhood or to different neighborhoods, regardless of income levels.

Study Details

• Published Research: The study was published in JAMA Psychiatry and conducted by researchers from Aarhus University in Denmark, the University of Plymouth, and the University of Manchester in the UK.
• Large Sample Size: The study included over 1 million Danish participants born between 1982 and 2003. Out of these, around 35,000 were diagnosed with depression.

Context and Statistics

• Moving Frequency: According to The Copenhagen Post, the average Danish citizen moved nine times by age 35 in 1997. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that Americans move about 11 times in their lifetime.

Insights from Researchers Lead author Clive Sabel, a professor at the University of Plymouth, emphasized the significance of these findings:

“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.”

Protective Factors The study suggests that staying in one place during childhood, even in low-income environments, may offer protective factors against depression. Sabel notes:

“During those formative years, children are building their social networks through school, sports groups or other activities. Each time they have to adapt to something new it can be disruptive, so we potentially need to find new ways to help people overcome those challenges.”

---

The research highlights the potential long-term mental health impacts of moving during childhood. It underscores the importance of stability for children during their formative years to help reduce the risk of depression later in life.

---

References

• “Moving Even Once During Childhood Increases Risk of Being Diagnosed with Depression, Study Shows” – Published in JAMA Psychiatry.
• The Copenhagen Post
• U.S. Census Bureau

This article provides crucial insights into the impact of childhood mobility on mental health, emphasizing the need for further research and supportive measures to mitigate these risks.