Monday, October 12, 2009

Mom's depression tied to child abuse in some families

CHILD PROTECTION

 

NATION: "Mom's depression tied to child abuse in some families"

By: Staff Writer

According to a study of 5,500 U.S. families investigated by child welfare agencies published Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, a mother's depression may increase the risk that she will act aggressively toward her child, including engaging in name-calling and threats. While the research does not prove that a mother's depression, per se, leads to child abuse, it does suggest that adults with children should be screened by a physician for depression and partner abuse, which also increases the risk of child abuse. The research shows that mothers that developed depression during the course of the study had increased incidents of psychological aggression against their children.

 

Mothers who reported an increase in abuse from their partner were more likely to state that there was also an increase in neglect and physical abuse toward their children. However, there was a reported decrease in psychological aggression towards children by mothers who moved in with a non-violent partner during the study.

 

Reuters News Service, October 5, 2009

For Full Article Click Here

<http://abcnews.go.com/Health/WireStory?id=8757408&page=1>

 

 

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