Maternal posttraumatic stress disorder associated with increased risk for child maltreatment

"Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in mothers appears to be associated with an increased risk for child maltreatment beyond that associated with maternal depression, according to a study published by JAMA Pediatrics.

"The psychopathology of a caregiver is understood to be an important risk factor for child maltreatment and maternal depression is associated with an increased use of corporal punishment and physical abuse of children. Until recently, research on maternal depression and maltreatment risk has largely ignored the high rate of comorbidity between depression and PTSD. The National Comorbidity Survey suggests that 24.7 percent of depressed women have PTSD and that 48.4 of women with PTSD have depression, according to the study background...."

http://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-09-maternal-posttraumatic-stress-disorder-child.html

Chemtob, et al. (2013). "Maternal Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression in Pediatric Primary Care:  Association With Child Maltreatment and Frequency of Child Exposure to Traumatic Events." JAMA Pediatrics. Abstract.

Short on time? Use our Category Search page.