Measuring potential cues for depression in adolescents

So far, depression research has mainly relied on adult data and self-reports. For better prevention and treatment, it could be of great importance to diagnose additional behavioral cues in earlier stages of life. We therefore analysed video recordings of adolescents (low versus high risk groups with regard to developing depression) performing a free speech task using linguistic, nonverbal and acoustic methods of measurement. High risk adolescents used fewer words and talked more about home and family than their low risk counterparts, suggesting possible relations with introvert and attachment-related behavior. Nonverbally, females showed more affiliation and flight behavior than males, possibly reflecting gender-specific coping strategies. Moreover, interactions show gender differences between risk groups; high risk females use less words and more flight behavior than low risk females, whereas males show the exact opposite pattern. These findings might contribute to better prediction and treatment of depression in the future.