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The British Journal of Psychiatry (2003) 183: 342-348
© 2003 The Royal College of Psychiatrists

Maternal depression and child behaviour problems

Randomised placebo-controlled trial of a cognitive–behavioural group intervention

CHRISSIE VERDUYN, PhD

Department of Clinical Psychology, Central Manchester and Manchester Children’s University Hospitals Trust

CHRISTINE BARROWCLOUGH, PhD

Academic Division of Clinical Psychology, School of Psychiatry and Behavioural Science, University of Manchester

JANINE ROBERTS, MPhil

Carol Kendrick Unit, Withington Hospital, Manchester

NICHOLAS TARRIER, PhD, FBPsS

Academic Division of Clinical Psychology, School of Psychiatry and Behavioural Science, University of Manchester

RICHARD HARRINGTON, MD, FRCPsych

Department of Child Psychiatry, School of Psychiatry and Behavioural Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK

Correspondence: Chrissie Verduyn, Department of Clinical Psychology, RMCH, Hospital Road, Pendlebury, Manchester M27 4HA, UK. E-mail: chrissie.verduyn{at}cmmc.nhs.uk

Declaration of interest None.

Background Despite the frequently reported association between maternal depression and childhood psychopathological disorder, few studies have attempted to intervene with both conditions.

Aims To evaluate the effect of group cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) on child behaviour problems and maternal depression in a group of women with young children.

Method An assessor-masked, randomised placebo-controlled trial compared three treatments: CBT for depression and parenting skills enhancement; a mothers’ support group; and no intervention. An epidemiological (general population) sample was recruited.

Results Analysis showed no significant difference between the groups. Within-group comparison suggested that at the end of treatment and at 6-month and 12-month follow-up, child problems and maternal depression had improved significantly in the CBT group.

Conclusions There was no statistically significant difference between groups. Both contact interventions seemed to provide some benefits to mothers with depression, with a possibly improved outcome resulting from CBT for children with behavioural problems. The results must be treated with caution.




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