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- Page navigation anchor for Maternal depression and primary healthcare use for childrenMaternal depression and primary healthcare use for childrenWe have read this research article entitled “Maternal depression and primary healthcare use for children: a population-based cohort study in Denmark” by Bente K
Lyngsøe et al. We enjoyed reading this informative article and would like to make some contributions.Our first addition to the study would be the inclusion of severity of depression within the categories measured. The ICD-10 defines depression as mild, moderate and severe; as within each of these categories there is a drastic variation in the presentation and severity of the symptoms. This could haveShow Morehad an effect on the likelihood and frequency of mothers requiring healthcare services for their child and would allow for a useful comparison between severity of mental state and use of primary healthcare services....Competing Interests: None declared. - Page navigation anchor for Maternal depression and primary healthcare use for childrenMaternal depression and primary healthcare use for childrenThis study provides further evidence of the crucial importance of maternal wellbeing for children in their first years of life. Maternal depression is robustly linked to poorer academic, health and mental health outcomes in children.1,2 It is imperative that GP’s, health visitors and midwives are alert to the possibility of maternal mental ill health and provide treatment and support. However maternal wellbeing cannot be improved by health services alone.Social isolation is a risk factor for depression and shortly after the birth of a child is a time when new parents can be at risk of becoming socially isolated. Many Sure Start centres and libraries have closed over the past 10 years.3,4 These services can often be a lifeline for isolated new parents allowing them to make connections in their community.This study demonstrates one of the potential unforeseen costs of cutting some of these community services perhaps even indirectly leading to increased healthcare use for young children.References1. Maternal depression and child development. Paediatr Child Health 2004; 9(8):575-598.Show More
2. Brennan PA, Hammen C, Andersen MJ, Bor W, Najman JM, Williams GM. Chronicity, severity, and timing of maternal depressive symptoms: Rel...Competing Interests: None declared.