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Postnatal depression in moms can cause similar symptoms in teens

By Staff Writer

In a recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, British researchers found that women who have prolonged postnatal depression may affect their children's chances of developing the disorder.

The researchers studied 100 mothers, 58 of whom had postnatal depression. They then analyzed how this affected the women's children during a 16-year period. These kids were assessed at 18 months and 5, 8, 13 and 16 years of age.

Results from the study show that children of mothers who suffered from prolonged postnatal depression were more likely to become depressed. By age 16, these children had a 40 percent chance of developing the condition. This was the first study to link postnatal depression with these results, according to the study's authors.

Researchers also found that depressed mothers who had marital problems had children who were even more likely to develop depression during their adolescent years.

Parents who believe that their children are struggling with depression may want to consider getting them treatment by enrolling them in schools for troubled youths.

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