Caregiver Depression and Youth Disruptive Behavior Difficulties

• NCJ Number: 237154
• Journal: Social Work in Mental Health Volume: 9 Issue: 1 Dated: January-February 2011 Pages: 56-70
• Author(s): Geetha Gopalan, Lcsw, Ph.D.; Kara Dean-Assael, Lmsw; Kathryn Klingenstein; Anil Chacko, Ph.D.; Mary M. McKay, Lcsw, Ph.D.
• Date Published: February 2011
• Length: 15 pages
• Grant Number(s): 5R01 MH072649
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Mental Health
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined depressive symptoms and service use among caregivers whose children receive treatment for disruptive behavior disorders.

Abstract

This study examines the rates of depressive symptoms and service use among caregivers whose children receive treatment for disruptive behavior disorders. Descriptive analyses examined preliminary baseline data from the Family Groups for Urban Youth with Disruptive Behaviors study for 212 caregivers to determine rates of caregiver depressive symptoms and lifetime mental health service use. Findings indicate that caregivers manifest substantially higher rates of depressive symptoms compared to national norms. Of those caregivers with clinically significant depressive symptoms, less than half reported ever receiving mental health services. Findings suggest that greater attention should be paid to identifying and treating caregiver depression among children receiving treatment for disruptive behavior disorders. (Published Abstract)