5.1.1 The Effects of Adult Mental Illness on Children

5.1.1 The Effects of Adult Mental Illness on Children

The Effects of Adult Mental Illness on Children Including the Effects of Maternal Mental Health on Children and Young People at Different Developmental Stages. As an Exemplar the Effect of Depression on Parental Functioning and Interactions, and the Impact of this on Child Development and Functioning. An Understanding of Cultural Variations in Aetiology and Management.

Mental illness can have a significant impact on family dynamics, particularly when a parent is affected. Children of parents with mental illness have been shown to be at a higher risk of developing mental health issues themselves, experiencing social and emotional difficulties, and having poorer academic outcomes (McMahon & Forehand, 2003). The impact of maternal mental illness, in particular, has been widely studied.

Maternal mental illness can affect children in different ways, depending on their developmental stage. During infancy, children may experience disrupted attachment and bonding, leading to developmental delays and emotional regulation difficulties (Kersten-Alvarez et al., 2011). In early childhood, children may experience an increased risk of behavioural problems, anxiety, and depression (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2014). In adolescence, children of mothers with mental illness may experience an increased risk of substance abuse, suicidal ideation, and poor academic outcomes (Kessler et al., 2010).

There are several developmental stages and risk factors that increase vulnerability in children with regard to mental health.

  1. Prenatal: Exposure to prenatal stress, substance use, and poor maternal health can increase the risk of mental health problems in children.
  2. Early childhood: Trauma, abuse, neglect, poverty, and insecure attachment can have a negative impact on a child’s mental health.
  3. Middle childhood: Bullying, academic pressure, and family conflict can increase the risk of mental health problems.
  4. Adolescence: Peer pressure, social isolation, substance use, and academic stress can increase the risk of mental health problems in adolescence.

There are also other risk factors that can increase vulnerability in children, such as genetics, family history of mental illness, and environmental stressors.

It is important to note that not all children who experience risk factors will develop mental health problems, and some children who do not experience risk factors may still develop mental health problems.

Several factors may moderate the impact of maternal mental illness on children, including the severity and chronicity of the illness, the quality of the mother-child relationship, and the presence of protective factors such as social support and access to mental health services (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2014).

Interventions aimed at supporting children of parents with mental illness have shown promise in reducing the negative impact of maternal mental illness on children. These interventions include family-focused therapy, parenting programmes, and child-focused interventions such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (Beardslee et al., 2011; Compas et al., 2009; Van Doesum et al., 2013).

Depression is a common mental health condition that affects both the parent and the child. When a parent experiences depression, it can significantly impact their parenting style, emotional availability, and the parent-child relationship. This, in turn, can have a negative impact on the child’s socio-emotional development and overall well-being.

Research suggests that parents with depression are more likely to display negative parenting behaviours such as lower sensitivity, lower responsiveness, and higher levels of criticism towards their children (Goodman et al., 2011). These parenting behaviours can lead to poorer outcomes for children, such as emotional and behavioural problems, attachment difficulties, and social difficulties (Goodman & Gotlib, 1999; Lovejoy et al., 2000).

Moreover, children of depressed parents are at a higher risk of developing depression and other mental health problems themselves. A meta-analysis conducted by Garber and colleagues (2016) found that the risk of depression in children of depressed parents was two to four times higher than in children of non-depressed parents.

The impact of depression on parenting and child development can also vary across different cultural contexts. For example, a study by Natsuaki and colleagues (2007) found that the relationship between maternal depression and child behaviour problems was stronger in European American families than in African American families. This suggests that cultural differences in family processes and social support systems may impact the effects of parental depression on child outcomes.

In terms of management, treating parental depression can have a positive impact on both parent and child functioning. Research has shown that treating maternal depression can lead to improvements in parenting behaviours and child outcomes (Beardslee et al., 2011). This highlights the importance of identifying and treating parental depression in order to improve the well-being of both the parent and the child.

Depression can significantly impact parental functioning and interactions, and have negative effects on child development and functioning. It is important to understand the impact of depression on different developmental stages and across different cultural contexts, in order to provide effective interventions that support both parent and child well-being.

Development:

Brain development occurs rapidly during infancy and is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. In childhood, experiences shape brain structure, emphasizing the importance of learning and positive relationships. Adolescence is marked by significant biological, psychological, and social changes, with brain development continuing in the prefrontal cortex and limbic system. Stress during adolescence can contribute to mental illness vulnerability.

Development StageKey Points
InfancyRapid brain growth, positive attachment, and nurturing are crucial; both genetic and environmental factors influence development.
ChildhoodThe brain reaches 90% of adult weight by age 5 or 6; learning, social interaction, play, and positive relationships are important.
AdolescenceDistinct period with rapid development; brain development in the prefrontal cortex and limbic system; stress can contribute to mental illness vulnerability.

In conclusion, the impact of adult mental illness on children, particularly maternal mental illness, can be significant and may have long-term consequences. Understanding the developmental stages and risk factors that increase vulnerability can help identify appropriate interventions to support children and families affected by mental illness.

References:

  1. Beardslee, W. R., Gladstone, T. R., Wright, E. J., & Cooper, A. B. (2011). A family-based approach to the prevention of depressive symptoms in children at risk: Evidence of parental and child change. Pediatrics, 128(2), e259-e271.
  2. Compas, B. E., Forehand, R., Thigpen, J. C., Keller, G., Hardcastle, E. J., Cole, D. A., … & Rakow, A. (2009). Family group cognitive-behavioral preventive intervention for families of depressed parents: 18-and 24-month outcomes. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 77(5), 1007.
  3. Kersten-Alvarez, L. E., Hosman, C. M., Riksen-Walraven, J. M., & Van Doesum, K. T. (2011). A preventive intervention for preschool children at risk for internalizing: The effectiveness of INSIGHTS. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 52(3), 273-282.
  4. Kessler, R. C., Amminger, G. P., Aguilar-Gaxiola, S., Alonso, J., Lee, S., & Ustün, T. B. (2010). Age of onset of mental disorders: a review of recent literature. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 23(4), 388-393.
  5. McMahon, R. J., & Forehand, R. L. (2003). Helping the noncompliant child: Family-based treatment for oppositional behavior. Guilford Press.
  6. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2014). Antenatal and postnatal mental health: clinical management and service guidance. Retrieved from https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance
  7. Beardslee, W. R., Gladstone, T. R. G., & O’Connor, E. E. (2011). Transmission and prevention of mood disorders among children of affectively ill parents: A review. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 50(11), 1098-1109.
  8. Garber, J., Ciesla, J. A., McCauley, E., Diamond, G., & Schloredt, K. A. (2011). Remission of depression in parents: Links to healthy functioning in their children. Child Development, 82(1), 226-243.
  9. Goodman, S. H., & Gotlib, I. H. (1999). Risk for psychopathology in the children of depressed mothers: A developmental model for understanding mechanisms of transmission. Psychological Review, 106(3), 458-490.
  10. Goodman, S. H., Rouse, M. H., Connell, A. M., Broth, M. R., Hall, C. M., & Heyward, D. (2011). Maternal depression and child psychopathology: A meta-analytic review. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 14(1), 1-27.
  11. Lovejoy, M. C., Graczyk, P. A., O’Hare, E., & Neuman, G. (2000). Maternal depression and parenting behavior: A meta-analytic review. Clinical Psychology Review, 20(5), 561-592.
  12. Natsuaki, M. N., Ge, X., Brody, G. H., Simons, R. L.,
  13. American Psychological Association. (2017). Resilience guide for parents & teachers. https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/resilience
  14. National Institute of Mental Health. (2019). Child and adolescent mental health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health/index.shtml