New study reveals innovative method to identify adolescents at highest risk of developing depression
A major new international study has found that combining specific biological markers with sociodemographic factors dramatically improves the ability to predict which adolescents will go on to develop depression. Nearly half of adolescents rated high‑risk on both biological and sociodemographic factors developed depression within three years. None of the adolescents rated low‑risk on both measures developed depression. This may pave the way for the first clinically feasible early‑warning system for one of the world’s most common and disabling mental health conditions.
By NIHR Maudsley BRC at 2 Mar 2026
