About the project

Up to 20% of New Zealand children experience depression and anxiety and this prevalence is rising. They can experience psychosocial impairment, substance use problems, school failure and suicidal ideation. We urgently need information about how polygenic and environmental factors combine to increase the risk of depression and anxiety. Here our aim is to study pregnancy and childhood markers of mood disorders in combination with polygenetic risk markers of mental health in the GUiNZ cohort. Our main goal is to identify the most significant biological and environmental pathways underpinning childhood depression and anxiety symptoms. This will help us better understand what causes depression and anxiety and what can protect.

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Start date: 14/09/2023