Title: | Psychiatric co-morbidity in caregivers and children involved in maltreatment: a pilot research study with policy implications |
Author(s): | De Bellis MD; Broussard ER; Herring DJ; Wexler S; Moritz G; Benitez JG; |
Address: | "Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Medical Center, PA 15213, USA" |
DOI: | 10.1016/s0145-2134(01)00247-2 |
ISSN/ISBN: | 0145-2134 (Print) 0145-2134 (Linking) |
Abstract: | "OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the lifetime incidence of mental disorders in caregivers involved in maltreatment and in their maltreated child. METHODS: Lifetime DSM-III-R and IV psychiatric diagnoses were obtained for 53 maltreating families, including at least one primary caregiver and one proband maltreated child or adolescent subject (28 males, 25 females), and for a comparison group of 46 sociodemographically, similar nonmaltreating families, including one proband healthy child and adolescent subject (22 males, 22 females). RESULTS: Mothers of maltreated children exhibited a significantly greater lifetime incidence of anxiety disorders (especially post-traumatic stress disorder), mood disorders, alcohol and/or substance abuse or dependence disorder, suicide attempts, and comorbidity of two or more psychiatric disorders, compared to control mothers. Natural fathers or mothers' live-in mates involved in maltreatment exhibited a significantly greater lifetime incidence of an alcohol and/or substance abuse or dependence disorder compared to controls. The majority of maltreated children and adolescents reported anxiety disorders, especially post-traumatic stress disorder (from witnessing domestic violence and/or sexual abuse), mood disorders, suicidal ideation and attempts, and disruptive disorders. Most maltreated children (72%) suffered from comorbidity involving both emotional and behavioral regulation disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Families involved in maltreatment manifest significant histories of psychiatric comorbidity. Policies which target identification and treatment of comorbidity may contribute to breaking the intergenerational transmission of maltreatment" |
Keywords: | "Adolescent Adult Child Child Abuse/psychology/*statistics & numerical data Comorbidity Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry) Family Health Fathers/psychology Female Humans Male Mental Disorders/classification/complications/*epidemiology Middle Aged Mothers/psychol;" |
Notes: | "MedlineDe Bellis, M D Broussard, E R Herring, D J Wexler, S Moritz, G Benitez, J G eng 5 K08 MHO1324-02/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/ Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S. England 2001/08/29 Child Abuse Negl. 2001 Jul; 25(7):923-44. doi: 10.1016/s0145-2134(01)00247-2" |