Diagnostic profiles in adolescence and emerging adulthood: Transition patterns and risk factors

Introduction: Complex diagnostic profiles (i.e., clusters of comorbid disorders) may be present in adolescence with long-lasting effects later in life. Little is known about their developmental transitions to adulthood as well as potential risk factors. This study aimed to identify the diagnostic profiles in adolescence and emerging adulthood, patterns of transitions and risk factors.

Material and methods: A sample of 1062 Mexican adolescents (43.22% men, M=14.19 years at baseline, SD=1.68) was assessed for psychiatric disorders at adolescence and emerging adulthood. Latent class analysis was used to identify diagnostic profiles. Profile transition was studied using multi-state modeling between the life periods. Logistic regression was utilized to study risk factor influence on profile development in adulthood.

Results: Three diagnostic profiles (i.e., minimal disorder/no-psychopathology; and two clinical profiles: internalizing and externalizing) were identified in both periods. Anxiety disorders were the most frequent psychiatric presentation in adolescence, while depression was the most prevalent disorder in adulthood. More than 15% of participants showed a clinical profile regardless life period. Comorbidity was present in 57% of participants with a clinical psychiatric profile. Finally, common (suicidal behavior) and specific risk factors (sex, parents' education and income) predicted transitions to profiles from adolescence to emerging adulthood.

Conclusions: Psychiatric disorders are frequently observed adopting a complex diagnostic profile in both adolescence and emerging adulthood. Comorbidity seems to be common in both life periods. Developmental issues and comorbidity should be considered for health service provision and treatment choice.