Objective: To determine the prevalence of maternal affective symptoms in children with developmental problems compared to a control group, and to examine their relationship to the child's Activities of Daily Living (ADL), socialization skills and behaviour.
Methodology: This study examined prospectively the prevalence of symptoms of maternal depression, maternal anxiety, stress and adverse life events in 65 mothers whose children were attending a Child Development Clinic. ADL and socialization skills were measured using the Vinelands Adaptive Behaviour Scales, and behaviour using a checklist.
Results: Symptoms of maternal depression (P = 0.04), maternal anxiety (P = 0.01) and number of adverse life events (P = 0.03) were increased in the study compared to control mothers. Presence of maternal symptoms was unrelated to ADL or socialization skills though was associated with increased behavioural symptoms in the child.
Conclusion: Affective disturbance in mothers of children with developmental problems are common and should be addressed as part of a comprehensive assessment of such children.