Depression in mothers of young children

Abstract

During the last five years, depression in mothers, particularly those with children of pre-school age, has become a major topic of discussion among child psychiatrists. At first sight this apparently recent interest appears surprising. The current growth of interest (and concern) arises from the results of a number of research projects carried out during the 1970s. Epidemiological studies, looking at women in the community, show how very common is depression in mothers of children aged under 5, and how widespread its effect can be on family life and on children's development and health.