Depressed parents’ children more likely to use NHS care

CHILDREN of depressed parents are significantly more likely to use NHS services, a new study has revealed.

Young people and teenagers with parents who suffer from depression are also more likely to lack social support, researchers suggest.

The team, led by the Health Foundation think-tank, also said increased parental perception of vulnerability of the child or young person could be another factor.

The study, published in BMJ Paediatrics Open, found that parental depression is associated with 41per cent increased odds of emergency department attendance in children and young people.

They also had a 47 per cent increased risk of inpatient admission and a 67per cent increased probability of outpatient appointments, the study revealed.

It also suggested parental depression might be a consequence of prolonged illness in a child.

Researchers reviewed data on more than 25,000 patients registered with a GP practice in London, including data on 980 children who had a parent diagnosed with depression.

Commenting on the study, Dr Jon Goldin, vice-chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ child and adolescent faculty, said: “Sometimes a young person can find themselves inappropriately in the role of having to look after their parent as there is sadly often no appropriate adult or service to do this.

“This scenario can be avoided if adult and children’s mental health services work closely together and are properly funded.”