Positive pitfalls

According to a New Zealand 3-year study people from positive family backgrounds are more likely to suffer depression, anxiety, alcohol dependence and drug dependence, tending to suffer more seriously and need more treatment. Researchers tracked 981 people from the time they were three years old until they were 32, and collected data on their psychiatric conditions as well as those of their family members. The study, published in the latest issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry showed participants with a positive family history had more recurrences of these conditions and they reported more disruptions caused to their lives, families, friends and work. However, family history did not appear to be linked to early onset of any of the four conditions. “Among those with depression, anxiety disorder, alcohol dependence and drug dependence, a family history screen may help determine whose illness will recur, whose illness will cause the greatest impairment and who will be the most likely to use treatment resources,” the study says.