A new study suggests that subtle changes in how children look at faces may provide early clues about their risk of developing depression. Researchers found that children with a higher inherited risk of depression tended to focus more on sad facial expressions, while those with lower genetic risk showed reduced attention to happy faces.
These differences in visual attention may reflect how the brain processes emotional information long before clinical symptoms appear. The findings offer valuable insight into the complex interaction between genetics and mental health during childhood.
Scientists hope this research could eventually help identify children at greater risk of depression earlier, allowing for timely support and interventions that promote better long-term mental well-being.
Read more at ScienceDaily