Frequency of Depression in Parents of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Abstract

Background: Long-term care and assistance are frequently necessary for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including intellectual disability, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and global developmental delay. Parents' psychological health can be greatly impacted by the caring duties related to these diseases, especially raising their risk of depression. Methodology: Over the course of six months, a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, D.H.Q/Allied Hospitals, Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad. Using a non-probability sequential sampling strategy, 93 parents of children with neurodevelopmental problems were included. A standardized questionnaire comprising sociodemographic data and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to measure depressive symptoms was used to gather data. PHQ-9 scores were used to classify depression; a score of ≥10 was seen as a marker of clinically severe depression. Frequencies and percentages were computed after data analysis using SPSS version 25. To account for effect modifiers such mother and child age, child gender, number of children with NDD, kind of disorder, maternal education, place of residence, and socioeconomic level, stratification was used. Findings: Of the 93 participants, 50 (53.8%) did not fit the criterion for depression, while 43 (46.2%) parents had depression. Depression was shown to be more common in moms than in fathers, as well as in parents from poorer socioeconomic backgrounds. Compared to parents of children with other neurodevelopmental disorders, parents of children with autism spectrum disorder exhibited comparatively greater levels of depression symptoms. Conclusion: A significant number of parents of children with neurodevelopmental abnormalities suffer from depression. To enhance the mental health of parents and the general well-being of families, early screening, psychological counseling, and caregiver support programs should be incorporated into pediatric and developmental healthcare services.