The Negative effects of maternal Depression
Children of mothers with long-term depression problems are at a higher risk for behavior and a poorer General development. The longer the affected mother suffers from depression, the worse the consequences for the child.
In a recent study by the University of Queensland, it was found that maternal depression has a negative impact on the behavior and development of their children. The results of the study were published in the English journal “Journal of Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology”.
Nearly 900 mothers took part in the investigation
For the study, 892 mothers with depression and 978 children were examined. The researchers are interested particularly in the impact on the development and behaviour of the children concerned. The evaluated data were from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health.
Duration of Depression had a strong influence on young
The impact of maternal depression before, during, and after pregnancy were studied and compared. The research group noted that the duration of the depression had a greater impact than the date of the first occurrence of the Depression.
In the study, it was found that one in five women has suffered a once-in-life Depression. Eleven percent of them experienced recurrent depression. It was clear that the longer a mother to a mothers suffered from Depression, the worse the consequences for the child.
Reduction of depressive symptoms helps mother and child
Many mothers worry that it is against taxes already too late, if you suffered during pregnancy from depression. The negative impact on the children, however, can later influence. A reduction in depressive symptoms at any stage, better for mothers and their children, stress the researchers. The earlier Depression in mothers, however, are detected and treated, the better the negative impacts be reduced or even preventable, report the researchers.
The research group proposes, therefore, to begin with a Screening for depression, when couples start planning a pregnancy. Such a systematic test procedure should then be used during the perinatal period and early Childhood continued, the researchers say.
Depressed women should seek medical help immediately
Maternal depression is a significant challenge for women, their families and the community. It is important to take care of in the key phases of the life of mothers, better women. If women suffer from depression, you should consult your family doctor or your GP for advice and treatment. Because it is not lasting, is not provided therapy depression of mothers affect not only their lives, but increase the risk for negative impact on the behavior and development of children. (as)