Family histories, deeper suffering

People with a family history of depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug dependence are not only more likely to develop these conditions themselves but are also more likely to suffer seriously and need more treatment. Researchers in New Zealand studied 981 people from when they were three until when they were 32 and collected information about their mental health and the mental health of their family. They found that people with a family history of depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug problems were more likely to have frequent recurrences of these conditions and suffered more disruption to their lives, families, friends and work. Family history was also associated with greater service use for all four problems.

You can read more about this research at

http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE5662K020090707?feedType=RSS&feedName=healthNews