The needs of children of depressed mothers in primary care.
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.
Hartley
Kirsten
K
Department of Psychiatry, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London W6 8RP, UK.
Phelan
Michael
M
D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D016241:Child of Impaired Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004363:Drug Utilization; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011320:Primary Health Care; D006113:United Kingdom
D000928:Antidepressive Agents