Self-Rated Depressive Symptoms in Children and Youth with and without Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Study
Daiki Asano1, Masaki Takeda2, Satoshi Nobusako3
1Department of Rehabilitation, Japan Baptist Hospital, Kyoto 606-8273, Japan.
Insights
Children with cerebral palsy (CP) experience more depressive symptoms, particularly related to reduced activity and enjoyment. Hyperactivity and peer issues also contribute to these symptoms in children with CP.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Child Neurology
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Children with cerebral palsy (CP) frequently experience mental health challenges, including depressive symptoms.
- Understanding the prevalence and predictors of these symptoms is crucial for effective intervention.
- Cerebral palsy can impact social participation and daily activities, potentially influencing mental well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare self-rated depressive symptoms between children with and without cerebral palsy.
- To identify predictors associated with depressive symptoms in children with cerebral palsy.
- To investigate the role of activity decline and behavioral difficulties in depressive symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 24 children with CP and 33 typically developing (TD) children.
- Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Birleson Depression Self-Rating Scale for Children.
- Parent-reported data on behavioral and emotional difficulties were collected using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Children with cerebral palsy reported significantly higher severity of depressive symptoms compared to TD children.
- A decline in activities and enjoyment was a key contributor to increased depressive symptoms.
- Hierarchical multiple regression indicated that hyperactivity/inattention and peer problems mediated the severity of depressive symptoms in children with CP.
Conclusions:
- Children with CP are at higher risk for depressive symptoms, influenced by behavioral and social factors.
- Interventions should address hyperactivity, inattention, and peer relationship difficulties in children with CP.
- Promoting social participation from an early age is essential for mitigating depressive symptoms in this population.
Abstract:
Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often exhibit mental health problems, such as depressive symptoms. The purpose of this study was to describe the self-rated depressive symptoms in children with and without CP and to investigate the associated predictors. Participants included 24 children with CP and 33 typically developing (TD) children. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Birleson Depression Self-Rating Scale for Children. Parents of the participants completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Severity of self-rated depressive symptoms was higher in children with CP than that in TD children. Particularly, decline in activities and enjoyment was identified as a contributor to the increased severity of depressive symptoms. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that the greater severity of depressive symptoms in children with CP was mediated by hyperactivity/inattention and peer problems. Our study suggests that it is imperative to provide opportunities to participate in social activities from an early age.
