Paed Child Healt Can
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Paed Child Healt Can · Aug 2014
ReviewRecognizing and responding to parental mental health needs: What can we do now?
Early daily interactions in a child's life, frequent and positive, are crucial to optimal human development. The negative effects of maternal depression may include her perception of the child, the child's cognitive development and future antisocial behaviour. Emerging research investigating paternal depression is also concerning. ⋯ The particular role of poverty, which affects so many Canadian families, is highlighted. Furthermore, the benefits and risks of screening for parental depression are discussed. Approaches available to the physician to address this issue using available resources are outlined.