Depression in mothers could influence development of young children

Children younger than five whose mothers have a history of depression are more likely to enter school with at least one developmental vulnerability, according to a new long-term study. Researchers evaluated data collected between 2005 to 2016 from nearly 10,000 children born in Manitoba, Canada, to mothers who had visited a doctor for depression, been hospitalized for it, or taken medication for it. This cohort of children was 17% more likely to enter school with a developmental vulnerability than children of mothers without depression. For instance, children of mothers with a history of maternal depression were 28% more likely to have difficulties with social competence, and were equally more likely to have trouble with emotional maturity or physical well-being. Although the vast majority of kids did not experience a vulnerability, the authors of a related editorial write that better screening mothers for depression and ensuring access to mental health care ought to be priorities.