Family Pediatrics: Don't Forget About Parents of Depressed and Anxious Children

Simultaneous screening for psychopathology in parents and children is feasible.

Children and adolescents of depressed or anxious parents are at risk for developing behavioral disorders. Can pediatricians be instrumental in detecting parents at risk for depression or anxiety? This study indicates that simultaneously screening parents and children for psychopathology is feasible.

The study included 801 mothers and 182 fathers of 848 children (age range, 6–17 years; 55% Hispanic) in New York City who were referred by pediatricians for psychiatric evaluation. Children with bipolar disorder, cognitive deficiency, pervasive developmental disorder, or physical/sexual abuse were excluded. Parents completed standardized behavior questionnaires for their children and themselves. Clinicians administered separate semistructured dia…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics