Depression and Anxiety in Mothers of Children with Cerebral Palsy

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the level of depression, anxiety and self consciousness in mothers of cerebral palsy (CP) children according to the clinical type and family type. METHOD: 39 mothers of CP children and 42 mothers of normal children (control) completed Beck Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Ego strength scale and Family Adaptation and Cohesion Evaluation Scale. The data were tatistically analyzed. There were no significant differences in mother's age, children's age and monthly income between the CP mothers and control. RESULTS: Mothers of CP children showed significantly higher level of BDI and State anxiety(p<0.05), but there were no significant differences in the Trait anxiety. There were no differences in the BDI and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory according to the clinical severity and duration of CP children. There were no difference in BDI and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory according to the family adaptation and cohesion. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to consider emotional problem of mothers with cerebral palsy children and support psychologically in comprehensive rehabilitation.