Risk factors for the development of emotional and behavioural problems in children born to drug-dependent mothers.
BACKGROUND
The study of biological and psychosocial risk factors for the development of emotional and behavioural problems in children of drug-dependent mothers.


METHODS
In a sample of 52 children and drug-dependent mothers participating in a residential intervention programme emotional and behavioural problems were studied in the children by use of the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL). The Symptom-Checklist Revised (SCL-90-R) served to assess mental problems in the mother. Drug exposure during pregnancy, various psychosocial risk factors due to the drug-career, and educational status of the mother were assessed by maternal interview. A brief assessment of intelligence of the mother was included.


RESULTS
Among the various biological and psychosocial risk factors, maternal mental health problems, maternal educational status, and a small number of close social relationships correlated significantly with child outcome variables. Multiple regression analyses identified maternal mental health factors as the main predictors of child behaviour.


CONCLUSIONS
Assisting drug-dependent mothers in overcoming the psychosocial sequelae of drug abuse implies also assistance to the children in terms of prevention of emotional and behavioural problems.
Steinhausen
Hans-Christoph
HC
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Zürich, Neumünsterallee 9, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland. steinh@kjpd.unizh.ch
Mas
Serena Dal
SD
Ledermann
Christoph
C
Metzke
Christa Winkler
CW
D000293:Adolescent; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D016241:Child of Impaired Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D009035:Mothers; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000209:etiology; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D012307:Risk Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders