The Grandchildren of Depressed Parents

Abstract The grandchildren of the original high- and low-risk populations, the third generation (Generation 3), were followed over 2 decades, starting at age 6 or older and beginning at the 10-year follow-up of their parents (Generation 2). The sample expanded across the years as more grandchildren became eligible with age. Major research questions addressed the association among grandparent, parent, and grandchild depression: Does grandparent and/or parent depression increase grandchild risk? Are these associations independent? Is the grandparent-grandchild link explained by parental depression? Is there a cumulative effect across generations? Are there distinct clinical features, such as early onset, in grandchildren doubly affected? Grandchildren with both a depressed grandparent and parent showed increased risk of early major depression and other adverse outcomes. In contrast, if the parent of a depressed grandparent remained unaffected, the grandchild was not impacted. Case examples of high- and low-risk grandchildren illustrate outcome differences by familial status.