Atopic dermatitis and mother-child interaction: a comparative study of 48 dyads

Psychological factors and family environment may play a role in the pathogenesis and the persistence of atopic dermatitis (AD).

To evaluate the interactions between mothers and their children suffering from AD and to look for the presence of maternal depression and anxiety.

A sample of 24 children with AD and their mothers and 24 matched control dyads participated in the study. Maternal depression and anxiety were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-short form (BDI) and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A). The mother-child interaction was evaluated by video recording, and through scores established after analyses of the video: M-score for the mother's attitude towards the child and C-score for the child's behavior.

AD group mothers showed significantly higher scores on the HAM-A,but not on the BDI. The analysis of the video recording conveyed a significant difference in M-scores between the two groups but no difference in C-scores.. M-score was correlated with the mother's anxiety.

Our study found evidence in favor of a disturbance of the mother- child interaction in the case of AD, noted on the mother's side, and more anxiety in AD group mothers than in the control group. Our findings suggest the need for psychological support for mothers of children suffering from AD.