Dr. Erin Tully and colleagues studied 568 adopted adolescents and 446 teens who were living with their biological parents. Depression in mothers, but not fathers, increased the likelihood of the teen having depression and behavioral problems, including juvenile delinquency. This was true in both groups, but especially in non-adoptees, which implied a genetic component as well.
If a mother responded successfully to interventions, such as medication and psychotherapy, her child's mental health improved too.
This study appears in the American Journal of Psychiatry.
Labels: depression, mothers, influences
Posted By: Aspen Education Group