The association between limiting longstanding illness and serious psychological distress in adolescents:A secondary analysis of the UK Millennium Cohort Study

Background Previous studies have shown associations between specific limiting longstanding illnesses and mental health difficulties using cross-sectional studies in the UK. This study explored the association between having any limiting longstanding illness and serious psychological distress or of currently receiving treatment for depression or serious anxiety at age 17 years. Methods A secondary analysis of the UK Millennium Cohort Study was conducted. Outcome measures were dichotomised responses from the self-administered Kessler-6 questionnaire for nonspecific psychological distress, and self-reported current treatment for depression or serious anxiety. Limiting longstanding illness data and covariates were taken from questionnaires with parents and adolescents, from birth up to age 17 years. Data were analysed using multiple binary logistic regression, first using complete-case analysis, and then using multiple imputation using chained equations. Results Adolescents with a history of limiting longstanding illness were at an increased odds of both serious psychological distress (odds ratio = 1.53, 95%CI = 1.27–1.86) and self-reporting currently receiving treatment for depression or serious anxiety at age 17 years (odds ratio = 3.02, 95%CI 2.24–4.07). Conclusion Children and young people with a limiting longstanding illness are at increased risk of having serious psychological distress, depression, and serious anxiety. Practitioners should be aware of this and routine screening for psychological distress, plus additional preventative support, may be beneficial.