Children who move multiple times before the age of 15 are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with depression in later life, a new study has shown.
Researchers analysed data involving almost 1.1 million people born in Denmark between 1981 and 2001 who remained in the country for the first 15 years of their lives.
It found that children who move once between the ages of 10 and 15 are 41 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with depression than those who do not.
If they move home twice or more between those ages, the risk rises to around 61 per cent.
This is a significantly stronger effect than growing up in a deprived neighbourhood, which carries an increased risk of depression during adulthood of around 10 per cent.
The numbers could be the tip of the iceberg, said the study's lead author Clive Sabel, professor of big data and spatial science at the University of Plymouth and former director of the Big Data Centre for Environment and Health at Aarhus University.
It is not clear why moving carries such a large risk of depression. But there are theories about the possible reasons.
Prof Sabel told The National: “This is what’s called an ecological study, so we don’t have any data to tell us why.
“For that we would have to talk to each child to understand each unique situation. We could speculate to say it’s a disruption of the children’s social networks, such as school, friendships, neighbours etc.”
He added: “Each time they have to adapt to something new it can be disruptive.”
The development of a mental illness is complex and involves numerous factors, including genetics, family history and life experiences, particularly abuse or trauma during childhood.
Previous studies have found that children who move more frequently from birth until their mid-teenagers are more likely to experience adverse outcomes including attempted suicide, violent criminality, mental illness and substance misuse.
Although the study was based in Denmark, the researchers said the findings would be expected to be similar elsewhere.
Prof Sabel said the findings, which were published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, suggest parents should consider the impact of moving on their children before making a decision.
“Military families move a lot. Maybe the military might consider moving families less?
“Children in care are particularly vulnerable and they often are moved around and between foster and care homes. Minimising this seems important,” he added.
