Poor
Sibling Bond Linked to Depression
Men who do not get along with a sibling might be at higher
risk for depression, say researchers in the American
Journal of Psychiatry.
"Among a group of men studied since their late teens, those
who said they didn't have a close relationship with even one of their siblings
were more likely to be depressed by the time they were 50," says study author
Dr. Robert Waldinger, at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
"Having a close relationship with even one of your siblings
made you less likely to be depressed," adds Dr. Waldinger.
Depression is a depressive disorder that involves a person's
body, mood, and thoughts.
It can
affect and disrupt eating, sleeping, or thinking patterns, and is not the
same as being unhappy or in a "blue" mood,
nor is it a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or
wished
away.
People
with a depressive illness cannot merely "pull themselves
together" and get better. Treatment is often necessary and many times crucial
to recovery.
In the study, Dr. Waldinger and his colleagues collected
data on 229 men from the time they were teens until they were in their 50s.
The researchers looked at the men's quality of life and
their relationships with their siblings, the quality of parenting they had,
and any family history of depression.
The study has lasted for 68 years and is one of the longest
studies of adult psychosocial development ever done, says Dr. Waldinger.
His group found that the two things that predicted depression
at 50 were poor relationships with brothers and sisters during childhood and
a family history of depression.
The researchers are not clear about what their finding means.
"It could be that not being close to a sibling is an early
harbinger of later depression," explains Dr. Waldinger. "Or it could be that
being close to a sibling helps you develop you skills dealing with peers."
"There is this connection," says Dr. Waldinger. "But
we are not sure why."
One expert says the new study provides valuable new insight
into the origins of mental illness.
"This long-term study allows a unique opportunity to examine
the relationship between early life development and long-term risk for common
mental health and substance use problems," says Dr. Gregory Simon, a psychiatrist
and mental health researcher at the Group Health Cooperative in Seattle.
While this study suggests a strong relationship between
childhood sibling relationships and adult depression, direction of that relationship
cannot be determined, says Dr. Simon.
"It is certainly possible that poor relationships with siblings
during childhood have significant and enduring negative effects on mental health," says
Dr. Simon.
"It is also possible, however, that poor relationships with
siblings are one of the early signs of depressive illness," he stresses.
Experts say depression has been shown to often co-exist
with other medical conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes.
In addition, it may be linked with psychiatric disorders
such as substance abuse or anxiety disorders, and seeking early diagnosis and
treatment is crucial to recovery.
A diagnosis is often made after a careful psychiatric examination
and medical history performed by a psychiatrist or other mental health professional.
Always consult your physician for more information.
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