Adolescent fears as predictors of depression

Background: Recent studies raise questions on the relationship between adolescent fears and risk for major depression. Methods: An epidemiologic sample of 776 young people received psychiatric assessments in 1983, 1985–1986, and 1992. Prospective associations were examined between fears in adolescence and future episodes of major depression. Results: Both overall level of fears and specific fear of dark in adolescence predicted future risk for major depression. Conclusions: Relatively high levels of fear in adolescence represent a risk factor for later episodes of major depression.