Depression: An underestimated effect of infantile colic on mothers
International Journal of Development Research
Depression: An underestimated effect of infantile colic on mothers
Objective: To measure the psychosocial status of mothers who had babies with infantile colic (IC) in a prospective-design study.
Methods: This prospective, randomized and controlled study was conducted between April 2013 and October 2013 in the Istanbul Medipol Hospital. Mothers and their newborns were stratified into two groups as Group A (colicky infant mother dyad [n: 47]) and Group B (non-colicky infant-mother dyad [n: 48]). Maternal symptoms of depression and anxiety were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory Test(BDI). Test results were graded by the observing psychologist. Age, education level, number of siblings, dietary habits, and active work life status information were also compared between the groups.
Results: Mean BDI score in Group A (14.7 ± 12.9) was significantly higher than in Group B (7.7 ± 5.5) (p=0.001). The depression scores were lower in mothers with active work lives than housewives (p < 0.001) and in mothers of breastfed babies than for those of formula-fed babies (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Infantile colic (IC) was associated with higher maternal depression symptom scores. As such, we think that mothers of babies with infantile colic might have higher tendencies toward depression, and therefore, infantile colic’s secondary effects must be taken seriously.