Dad’s depression may lead to behavioural problems in kids

A parent's depression affects the way he or she interacts with the child.

Children who live with a father who has mental health problems and depression have higher rates of behavioural and emotional problems themselves,according to a new study.

Though the effect of mothers depression upon her children is a well known,this study is the first to reveal the influence a fathers depression may have on his children,a media report said.

The team,led by Dr Michael Weitzman at NYUs Langone Medical Centre,looked at a nationally representative sample of almost 22,000 children over four years.

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They found that 11 per cent of children with depressed fathers had behavioural and emotional problems.

For children without depressed parents,the figure was just six per cent; while for a child of a depressed mother,the number was 19 per cent.

It is believed that a parents depression affects the way he or she interacts with a child,in turn contributing to a childs behaviour.

Dr Weitzman said the study is remarkable because it is the first of its kind.

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The researchers hope the study will add to more successful treatment of depressed fathers and better education of health care workers.

Tags:
child behaviour

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