Maternal Depression Influences Teens' Behaviors

Mothers are more connected to their children than they think, long after their umbilical cords are cut off. While previous studies have shown that maternal depression during pregnancy may be linked to their children’s mental health in adolescence, a recent study found that a mother’s depression during her child’s pre-adolescent years may also influence their behavior and mental health during their teenage years.

Canadian researchers who followed almost 3,000 children and their mothers for more than ten years found that young children (ages two to five years) whose mothers experienced depressive symptoms were more likely to engage in risky behaviors in their teenage years than those whose moms were not depressed.

The team used questionnaires every two years to interview mothers and children in a national survey from 1994 to 2009. The children were aged 2-5 years at the start of the study but by age of 10-11 years, they were able to fill out their own questionnaires until they were about 16-17 years old.

The researchers considered factors such as the child’s sex and family socioeconomic status, and identified some trends among kids whose mothers experienced symptoms of depression when the children were 6-10 years old (middle childhood years). The results showed that teens were more likely to smoke, use marijuana, take alcohol, or use hallucinogens if their mothers experienced depression during their middle childhood years. These adolescents also tended to engage in nonviolent as well as violent delinquent behaviors. These included fighting, stealing, damaging property, carrying weapons, attacking someone, driving under the influence (or riding with someone who is), or selling drugs.

They also suggest that midchildhood is a sensitive period wherein exposure to a mother’s depression appears to have strong effects on adolescent behavior. However, the authors state that the results do not prove that a mothers' depression when her children were young caused their behavior when they were older.

These discoveries also add another dimension to previous findings that suggest that teenagers’ behaviors are affected by maternal depression during pregnancy, as well as postpartum depression. Scientists explain that a mother’s cortisol (stress hormone) levels may be increased when depressed, and this may be passed on to the baby through the placenta, affecting its developing brain. They also suggest that genetic factors, which increase a mother’s risk of depression, may be passed on to their babies and influence their mental health.

See Also: Does Your Teen Suffer From FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out)?

On the other hand, postpartum depression seems to impact a child’s development because it affects a mother’s ability to respond to her baby’s needs. Teens of less educated and disadvantaged mothers were also more likely to be affected. Researchers explain that more educated moms may have more support and access to childcare, which could reduce the negative effects of their depression on their kids. It is therefore important for clinicians and families to take depression seriously to make sure mothers get help.

Impact Of Maternal Depression On Child Development

Studies have shown that maternal depression is a risk factor for the emotional, mental, and social development of children. Many women experience depressive symptoms that are often unrecognized and untreated. Mothers who are at risk for depression are most vulnerable during the few months after childbirth. Doctors who care for babies and children often have repeated encounters with mothers, and it is therefore important for them to have some knowledge and skills to detect symptoms of maternal depression.

The link between maternal depression and child outcomes is complex, and studies have not found enough evidence associating maternal depression to poor parenting. Other risk factors may be involved, such as low social support, financial stress, and family adversity, which contribute to the differences in children outcomes. In the absence of maternal depression, other factors, including stress, may influence child behavior.

Babies and children repeatedly interact with their mothers on a daily basis. They often react to their mother’s interactive patterns, and if they are depressed they may show behaviors such as hostility, anger, unresponsiveness, or lack of emotion. Scientists suggest that an early age, children are not able to cope with the situation, which can lead them to become withdrawn or passive, and to resort to behaviors such as thumb-sucking. Children of depressed mothers have also been found to experience problems in learning and their ability to process information.

Some experts believe that because depressed mothers are generally less attentive and responsive to their children’s needs, they are also poor role models for problem solving and negative mood regulation.

School-age children with depressed mothers tend to have impaired adaptive functioning, and may either internalize or externalize problems. Maternal mental health also seems to be linked with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, lower IQ scores, attention problems, difficulties in math, and special educational needs. However, some studies show that family stress, lack of support, environmental factors, and genetic factors also play a role in child disturbance.

Adolescence is a susceptible period for major depressive disorder and affective illness. Previous studies have shown that having a depressed parent increases the risk of teenagers for psychosocial maladjustment, major depression, anxiety disorder, conduct disorder and substance abuse disorder. In terms of academic development, they are also more likely to have learning disabilities and ADHD. Other factors that may affect adolescent behaviors include marital conflicts, stressful life events, poverty, limited social support, lower maternal education, and low social class.

See Also: The Roots Of Postpartum Depression Run Deep

Treatment Of Maternal Depression

Families and doctors must work hand in hand to recognize symptoms of maternal depression for early and appropriate treatment. Treatment may consist of medications and psychotherapy; however, for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, the use of medications may be tricky. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding need to consult a doctor about taking antidepressant medications. Non-clinical interventions include getting enough rest, exercise, and a proper diet. Joining a support group where one can talk with other depressed women may also be helpful.

School-age children and teenagers from families with depressed mothers may benefit from family therapy, which focuses on communication.