Many toddlers have high depression levels

Almost 15% of preschoolers have atypically high levels of depression and anxiety, according to an international study that included researchers from University College Dublin.

The five-year study also found that children with abnormally high depression and anxiety levels are more likely to have mothers with a history of depression.

"As early as the first year of life, there are indications that some children have more risks than others to develop high levels of depression and anxiety," said Prof Sylvana M Côté from the Université de Montréal, first author of the study.

According to Prof Côté, difficult temperament at five months was the most important predictor of depression and anxiety in the children.

As part of the investigation, the scientists annually evaluated a representative sample of Canadian pre-schoolers from five months to five years of age. Their mothers provided information during extensive interviews on behaviour and family members.

The researchers found that lifetime maternal depression was the second most important predictor of atypically high depressive and anxiety problems during preschool years.

"Our study is the first to show that infant temperament and lifetime maternal depression can lead to a high trajectory of depressive and anxiety problems before school entry,” they said.

The researchers concluded that health professionals should target high risk children at infancy, as well as their parents, to have a long-term impact on their wellbeing.

The study was published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.

[Posted: Sun 30/08/2009]