Impact of Maternal Depressive Symptoms on Growth of Preschool- and School-Aged Children

The authors of the article "Impact of Maternal Depressive Symptoms on Growth of Preschool- and School-Aged Children" studied the physical effects of children raised by mothers that showed mild to severe depression symptoms1. The authors concluded that "maternal depressive symptoms in the first year of life are associated with later odds of a child being <10% for height-for-age at ages four and five" 1. This statement was found valid after maternal depression was shown to cause a lack of responsiveness, poor feeding practices and parenting behaviors, and a stressful environment, which all contributed to decrease growth.

It is true that aspects such as age, income, and education can contribute to depression, but there are also other conditions we should take into account. For example, the actual delivery of the child can be related to depression. Mothers that choose cesarean section delivery as opposed to vaginal have been more likely to experience symptoms of depression. Also, experiences that occur during delivery, such as high pain, can affect a mother's feelings3. Fatigue is another factor that can influence depression. Maternal depression can be easily confused with maternal fatigue because both have very similar symptoms. Therefore, a fatigued mother is also capable of producing a high stress environment, which can affect a child's emotional and mental growth as well4.

Although both men and women can have depressive symptoms, it is more commonly found in women. Studies have shown that depression is the second most prevalent disability in women2. With depression being so widespread in general it is not surprising that we see mothers with depressive symptoms, which can help explain maternal depression. Studies have shown that children raised by depressed mothers suffer from behavioral and physiological problems and it has been found that children that have depressed mothers are more likely to suffer from depressive symptoms in their later years4. Therefore as health professionals we are responsible to be prepared in handling and if possible eliminating depression.

Maria Pietro Health Study Student at Utica College Utica, New York

References 1. Surkan PJ, Ettinger SA, Minkovitz CS, et al. Impact of maternal depressive symptoms on growth of preschool- and school-aged children. Pediatrics. 2012;103(4): e847-e855

2. Wang L, Wu T, Anderson JL, et al. Prevalence and risk factors of maternal depression during the first three years of child rearing. Journal Of Women's Health. 2011;20(5):711-718

3. Weisman O, Granat A, Gilboa-Schechtman E, et al. The experience of labor, maternal perception of the infant, and the mother's postpartum mood in a low-risk community cohort. Archives Of Women's Mental Health. 2010;13(6):505-513

4. White C, King K. Is maternal fatigue mediating the relationship between maternal depression and child outcomes?. Journal Of Child & Family Studies. 2011;20(6):844-853

Conflict of Interest:

None declared