Maternal communication: predictors of outcome at follow-up in a sample of children at high and low risk for depression

Article Abstract:

Research has shown that maternal depression increases the risk of affective disorders in children, but it is not known why this is so. Negative communication and poor interaction have been widely documented when studying depressed mothers and their children, yet a causal link has yet to be shown. Four groups of mothers (depressed, bipolar depressed, medically ill, and normal mothers) were examined with their children during an interaction task, and maternal stress and mood were assessed as well. Six months after the initial evaluation, follow-up interviews were conducted to assess outcome for children on four measures: occurrence of affective illness, occurrence of nonaffective illness, school behavior, and academic performance. There were 13 families in the maternal depression group, 12 families with bipolar depressed mothers, 11 families with mothers who were chronically medically ill, and 21 families with normal mothers. Childrens' ages were between eight years and 16 years. It was found that occurrence and severity of affective disorder in children was related to maternal interaction, while occurrence of nonaffective illness was not. Lack of positive communication and lack of maternal task involvement were particularly linked to affective disorder in children, and poor academic performance was related most closely to maternal affect. Maternal stress was related to maternal negative behavior, and maternal depression predicted less task involvement. Effects of children's age and sex were not found. The results confirm the relationship between psychosocial factors, particularly impaired parenting, and affective disorder in children. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Risk factors, Telecommunications systems, Mother and child, Mother-child relations, Mentally ill children

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The symptoms of major depression

Article Abstract:

A study was conducted on the eight Criterion B symptoms for major depressive disorder (MDE) as defined by the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Subjects belonged either to a group of individuals diagnosed with major depression or to one made of patients meeting Criterion A, but not B. Results revealed that sleep change, energy loss and appetite change were the most common symptoms of MDE, while psychomotor change and feelings of worthlessness were the worst. It was suggested that clinical depression is linked more with vegetative symptoms rather than with guilt, self-reproach or feelings of worthlessness.

Standards, Diagnosis, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Book)

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Reports of the childhood home environment in early-onset dysthymia and episodic major depression

Article Abstract:

Examinations of several patients, including those with normal control, dysthymia and episodic major depression, suggest the effect of home environment on these patients. Physical and sexual abuse, and poor relationships with parents result in early-onset dysthymia in children who do not have adequate parental care.

Analysis, Children

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