Depression and anxiety of mothers of small children

Background. In comparison mothers of small children more often show signs of depressive moods or of increased anxiety. Thus pediatricans will have to deal with this problem. To such aim we studied the level of anxiety and depression in mothers, who asked for pediatric advice. Methods. The study was performed in three different groups: elemental care examinations in healthy children (Vorsorgeunter-suchungen), outpatient sick children and inpatient pediatric patients. Demographic variables were registered and subsequently groups of mothers at risk for either conditions were identified. 210 consecutive mothers answered all three tests distributed: Becks depression questionnaire, state-trait-anxiety questionnaire, discriminating anxiety as a personal trait or as a mental state together with a demographic questionnaire. Results. In 4.2% of all women we found clinically relevant signs of depression; in 10%, levels of situative anxiety were statistically higher then the mean levels determined. Increased anxiety states were significantly higher in unemployed mothers and in mothers with inpatient children suffering from severe diseases. Anxiety traits were found significantly higher in divorced and single mothers, mothers an a low family budget and o lower educational level. Depression scores as well were found higher in single mothers, mothers without job qualifications and mothers of low income groups. Conclusions. Thus we recommend the pediatrician to look for signs of depression and increased anxiety in the risk groups mentioned in order to deal with these conditions properly.