Half of mothers of children with autism have severe depressive symptoms

Mother's depression doesn't worsen children's behavioral symptoms, study finds

A new study by UCSF researchers published Aug.

Also, while past research has shown that parental depression increases the risk of mental health and behavioral problems in children, this study found something different

"We found that higher maternal depressive symptoms did not predict behavioral problems in children as they increased," said Danielle Rubinoff, Ph.

"Being a parent of a child with special needs is an inherent challenge every day," noted Dr.

"We already know from this sample that mothers who are more depressed tend to have signs of faster biological aging, such as lower levels of the anti-aging hormone klotho, and, on average, older immune cells," Epel added

a one-way street

The researchers found that regardless of ASD status, behavioral problems in the children predicted higher levels of depression in the mothers in the future

"This finding suggests that maternal depression does not lead to worsening of children's symptoms, which is especially important for mothers of children with ASD, which could help reduce the burden many mothers have on their children's diagnosis and behavioral problems," Rubinoff said.

Past research by the team has shown that parental self-blame and guilt are common among children with ASD, which over time predicts worsening depression and lower life satisfaction

In the current study, researchers repeatedly measured depression and children's behavioral problems in 86 mother-child pairs over an 18-month period

Maternal depression was measured using the Depressive Symptom Checklist, a self-report scale completed by the mother

Few studies on maternal depression, child behavior in ASD

A bidirectional association between maternal depression and children's behavioral problems has been reported in previous studies

Families with autism tend to experience more marital conflict, lower relationship satisfaction and many other challenges, Rubinoff said

"A stressful family environment can affect family members and potentially change the relationship between mother and child," she said

While the study acknowledges that families of children with autism spectrum disorders experience high levels of stress, the authors are careful to point out that stress is not their only defining characteristic

"Many mothers of children with autism also report high levels of emotional closeness and positive interactions with their children," Rubinoff said

After the study, the researchers offered all parents a mindfulness program to help manage parenting stress

It's important to experience and notice positive emotions and happiness, despite having a more challenging life situation, Epel said
.

"Given the health and emotional impact of chronic stress, caring parents need special emotional support in addition to special services for their children," she said
.
"Support for parents' mental health and mental health for children Providing support is just as important
.
”

Physicians should be aware of parental distress and be prepared to provide resources for parents, especially those with children with special needs, she said
.
In the Bay Area, support groups can be found at the California chapter of the National Coalition for Mental Illness, Family Support for Children with Disabilities, and through some health insurance companies
.

Co-authors: Dr.
Brian Tang and Dr.
Robin Blaze, both from the UCSF Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
.