청소년기 우울, 30년 내 조기 사망 위험 17.5% 높인다. 원인은 자살보단 ‘사고사’

A study from the University of Seoul has found that teenagers experiencing depression have a 17.5% higher risk of premature death before the age of 50, not due to suicide but rather accidents, unintentional drug misuse, and violence. Researchers analyzed data from the American 'Add Health' panel survey of 14,320 teenagers over 30 years, from 1994 to 2023.

After accounting for other factors like personal and family environment, the study confirmed that those who had more severe depressive symptoms in their teenage years had a higher risk of premature death. The leading cause of premature death was accidents (such as accidents, drug overdoses, and violence), which increased the risk by 29.6%, followed by unintentional drug misuse and violence, both of which raised the risk by 17.5%.

The risk of death due to illness or suicide was not statistically significant. The study suggests that the data shows a pattern where those with the most severe depressive symptoms were more likely to die from external causes by 2.26 times compared to those who were less affected. The primary external causes were drug and tobacco use.

The researchers analyzed the path leading to premature death and found that dropping out of high school (16.0%), smoking (10.8%), and marijuana use (9.0%) had the most significant impact. Among external causes of premature death, marijuana use (12.2%) and smoking (6.9%) were the most significant factors. The researchers emphasized the need to consider the various health threats that can arise from mental health issues.

Dr. Kim Jinho, who led the study, said, "Suicide is not inevitable when someone is depressed," emphasizing the policy implications of addressing mental health and related risk factors. He added, "Interventions for adolescent depression should not only focus on symptom management but also include preventive measures for drug use, academic continuity, and support for stable social integration.

Addressing emotional difficulties during adolescence can prevent long-term health and socioeconomic disadvantages. Schools, communities, and educational and employment support systems need to work together to prevent mental health issues from leading to long-term health and socioeconomic disadvantages." The study was published online in the top international journal in adolescent and youth mental health in June 2023, supported by the 4th BK21 Precision Health Science Fusion Education Research Institute.