The needs of children of depressed mothers in primary care.
case_control · Level III
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Maternal depression has a number of adverse effects on children. Although most depression is treated in primary care, assessment or support is rarely given to children of depressed mothers on a routine basis. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to examine the needs of children, aged 5-11 years, whose mothers are being treated for depression in primary care. METHODS: Mothers being prescribed antidepressants by their GP (n = 30) and mothers not being prescribed antidepressants (n = 30) were interviewed, and comparisons were made between their children (n = 48 and 50). RESULTS: The mothers who were prescribed antidepressants were more depressed than the other mothers, and their children had more dysfunctional symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The needs of children must be considered when depressed mothers are being treated in primary care.