Study title

In this project, we aimed to increase what is known about the negative effects of maternal depression and anxiety disorders (MDAD) on the mental health outcomes of children. Mental health is a topical area of research that is receiving increasing attention in the media and is one of five ESRC strategic priorities for investment. The main aim of the project was to help develop an understanding of how mental depression and anxiety disorders are transmitted from one generation to the next and ultimately help to design interventions better able to reduce the consequences of maternal mental health for children. We have used data from QResearch, a large consolidated database derived from anonymized health records from general practices in England matched with hospital administrative data, the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES). Further information is available under Related Resources.Problems relating to Maternal Depression and Anxiety Disorders (MDAD) are common and are known to affect child health and development. In the UK, the cost of perinatal mental health problems has been estimated at £8.1 billion for each birth cohort of children, and 72 percent of this cost is related to the direct impact on the children. The overarching aim of our proposed research is to examine the effect of MDAD on child health outcomes, with a special focus on the role that MDAD plays in the development of child depression and anxiety disorders (CDAD) in adolescence. In particular, this research will provide robust empirical evidence to understand how depression and anxiety disorders are transmitted from one generation to the next and to help design interventions aimed at reducing the negative consequences of poor maternal mental health for children. To achieve this aim, we will address the following research questions: 1) Are the negative effects of MDAD on children exclusively explained by genetic transmission and family background characteristics? Or are these negative effects also...