High mother depression rates not affecting children

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About 50% of all mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) had elevated levels of depressive symptoms over 18 months, while rates were much lower (6% to 13.6%) for mothers with neurotypical children in the same period, UCSF researchers report in a new study published August 26 in Family Process

In addition, while past studies suggest having a parent with depression increases the risk that children will have mental health and behavior problems, this study found something different.

"We found mothers' higher symptoms of depression did NOT predict increases in children's behavior problems over time, including among families with a child with autism who experience a lot of stress," said Danielle Roubinov, PhD, UCSF assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and first author of the study. "That was surprising and good news."

The researchers found that child behavior problems predicted higher levels of maternal depression down the road, regardless of ASD status. They didn't see the inverse effect, however; prior maternal depression didn't predict child behavior problems later.

Self-blame and guilt among parents of ASD children is common and predicts worsening depression and lower life satisfaction over time, the team's past research shows.

In the current study, the researchers repeatedly measured maternal depression and children's behavior problems in 86 mother-child dyads across 18 months. Half of the mothers had children with ASD and half had neurotypical children. The age range of children in the study was two to 16 years old, though the majority (75%) of the children were elementary age or younger.

Maternal depression was measured using the Inventory of Depressive Symptoms, a self-report scale completed by mothers. Child behavior was measured through maternal report on the Child's Challenging Behavior Scale, which focuses on externalizing behaviors such as tantrums, aggression and defiance. The researchers said f

Following the study, the researchers offered mindfulness classes to all parents to help manage parenting stress. "The parents were grateful to share common challenges and learn inner strategies to cope," Epel said. "Many studies have shown that mindfulness training can help with parenting stress, and we also found our parents showed improved mental health."

It is important to experience and notice positive emotions and joy, despite having a more challenging life situation, said Epel.