Mapping developmental transitions in mental health from mid‐ to late‐adolescence: Concurrent and longitudinal links to cognition

Abstract Background Developmental changes in mental health are mostly mapped between childhood and adolescence or childhood and adulthood. This study maps developmental transitions in mental health profiles from mid‐ to late‐adolescence, exploring how these transitions relate to cognitive function in mid‐adolescence. Method Participants from the IMAGEN cohort ( N = 1304) were followed from mid‐ (14 years) to late (22 years) adolescence. K‐means clustering was applied to data from those with elevated mental health problems to identify common profiles of mental health symptoms at each timepoint ( n = 784 at 14 years, n = 655 at 22 years). Those with no mental health symptoms formed a comparison group ( n = 520 at 14 years, n = 649 at 22 years). Transitions between the groups were mapped across time and related to cognitive function at age 14. Results Three distinct mental health profiles were identified: presentations of externalising, internalising, or social problems. These were similar in mid‐ and late adolescence. Externalising problems were more common in mid‐adolescence. Persistent externalising and social problems were related to cognitive function in mid‐adolescence, but problems that emerged or resolved in late adolescence were not. Conclusions These data highlight the importance of understanding the developmental context in which mental health symptoms occur, and the cognitive factors linked to their persistence.