Stressed-Out Kids Become Depressed Adults

Anxiety more common in childhood than once thought

Stress happens -- even to kids.

Most parents believe their children will bounce back from most traumas -- whether they're from divorce, a death, an accident or a setback. But experts caution that stress that's high and frequent may cause children to carry the burden well into adulthood.

In a two-year study, researchers from Florida State University interviewed more than 1,800 young adults between the ages of 18 and 23, most of whom had participated in a study five to seven years earlier. Researchers interviewed the young people by telephone and in person, assessing whether they suffered from depression, anxiety, social phobia, panic disorder, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder or antisocial behavior.

The investigators found that those who had experienced high levels of stress during childhood often became young adults haunted by depression and anxiety. Further, the researchers found that most of the participants had suffered through numerous stressful childhood incidents.

"These results indicate that exposure to major and potentially traumatic events is commonplace among young people, at least in South Florida," researchers R. Jay Turner and Donald A. Lloyd noted in a prepared statement. "The typical African American in the sample had experienced more than nine such events, and the remaining three groups [Cuban, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic white] averaged more than six."

Stress can be complicated. And small amounts of stress do no harm, said Raymond Crowel, vice president of mental health and substance abuse services for the National Mental Health Association.

"Stress in and of itself is not necessarily bad," Crowel said. "In fact, it is sometimes quite necessary." But he noted that too much stress may take a toll on your psyche.

"When stress is prolonged for a long period of time, or perceived as a negative thing, it can do some damage," he said. "There are all kinds of emotional responses to it."

According to the National Mental Health Association, anxiety and depression are the most common mental illnesses in the United States, affecting more than 19 million people each year. And depression is an equal opportunity disorder, occurring in people of all ages, races and ethnic groups.

Though treatment for depression is almost always successful, fewer than half of those suffering from depression seek treatment. However, unchecked stress, anxiety and depression may contribute to a number of physical health problems, including high blood pressure and a weakened immune system.