Poor Sibling Bond Linked to Depression

Men who do not get along with a sibling might be at higher risk for depression, say researchers in the American Journal of Psychiatry.

"Among a group of men studied since their late teens, those who said they didn't have a close relationship with even one of their siblings were more likely to be depressed by the time they were 50," says study author Dr. Robert Waldinger, at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

"Having a close relationship with even one of your siblings made you less likely to be depressed," adds Dr. Waldinger.

Depression is a depressive disorder that involves a person's body, mood, and thoughts.

It can affect and disrupt eating, sleeping, or thinking patterns, and is not the same as being unhappy or in a "blue" mood, nor is it a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away.

People with a depressive illness cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Treatment is often necessary and many times crucial to recovery.

Experts Find Evidence, Questions Exist

In the study, Dr. Waldinger and his colleagues collected data on 229 men from the time they were teens until they were in their 50s.

The researchers looked at the men's quality of life and their relationships with their siblings, the quality of parenting they had, and any family history of depression.

The study has lasted for 68 years and is one of the longest studies of adult psychosocial development ever done, says Dr. Waldinger.

His group found that the two things that predicted depression at 50 were poor relationships with brothers and sisters during childhood and a family history of depression.

The researchers are not clear about what their finding means.

"It could be that not being close to a sibling is an early harbinger of later depression," explains Dr. Waldinger. "Or it could be that being close to a sibling helps you develop you skills dealing with peers."

"There is this connection," says Dr. Waldinger. "But we are not sure why."

Early Life Development a Focus

One expert says the new study provides valuable new insight into the origins of mental illness.

"This long-term study allows a unique opportunity to examine the relationship between early life development and long-term risk for common mental health and substance use problems," says Dr. Gregory Simon, a psychiatrist and mental health researcher at the Group Health Cooperative in Seattle.

While this study suggests a strong relationship between childhood sibling relationships and adult depression, direction of that relationship cannot be determined, says Dr. Simon.

"It is certainly possible that poor relationships with siblings during childhood have significant and enduring negative effects on mental health," says Dr. Simon.

"It is also possible, however, that poor relationships with siblings are one of the early signs of depressive illness," he stresses.

Experts say depression has been shown to often co-exist with other medical conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes.

In addition, it may be linked with psychiatric disorders such as substance abuse or anxiety disorders, and seeking early diagnosis and treatment is crucial to recovery.

A diagnosis is often made after a careful psychiatric examination and medical history performed by a psychiatrist or other mental health professional.

Always consult your physician for more information.