Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: The Association Between Child and Adolescent Depression and Later Educational Attainment

Objective: The association between depression and educational attainment in young people is unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis examines the longitudinal association between depression and subsequent attainment, and its potential effect modifiers and mediators. Method: We searched Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, ERIC, and the British Education Index from inception to October 23, 2019, conducted citation searching, and contacted authors for articles. Eligible studies reported on the longitudinal association between depression in children and adolescents 4 to 18 years of age and later educational attainment. Two reviewers independently conducted screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. Correlation coefficients were pooled in meta-analysis, and effect modifiers were explored using meta-regression and stratification. Other evidence on confounders, modifiers, and mediators was narratively synthesized. The PROSPERO record for the study is CRD42019123068. Results: A total of 31 studies were included, of which 22 were pooled in meta-analysis. There was a small but statistically significant association between depression and lower subsequent attainment (pooled Fisher z = -0.19, 95% CI = -0.22 to -0.16, I-2 = 62.9%). A total of 15 studies also reported an enduring effect after adjusting for various confounders. No statistically significant effect modifiers were identified. Social and school problems may mediate between depression and low attainment. Conclusion: Depression was associated with lower educational attainment, but further research is needed to establish mechanisms. Nonetheless, there is a clear need for mental health and educational support among children and adolescents with depression.

Automated summary

This systematic review and meta-analysis found a small but statistically significant association between depression and lower subsequent attainment in children and adolescents. The enduring effect of depression on educational attainment was observed in some studies after adjusting for confounders. No significant effect modifiers were identified, suggesting that social and school problems may mediate between depression and low attainment. More research is needed to establish mechanisms, but it is clear that mental health and educational support are crucial for children and adolescents with depression.