RECURRENCE AND TIMING OF EXPOSURE TO MATERNAL DEPRESSION AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF DEPRESSIVE AND CONDUCT SYMPTOMS IN CHILDREN WITH AND WITHOUT ADHD

Abstract

The current study examined the longitudinal associations between recurrence and timing of exposure to maternal depression and the development of depressive and conduct symptoms in children with and without ADHD. Methods: 125 children with ADHD and 122 comparison children, ages 4-6, were followed over an 8-year period (until age 12-14). Results: Total recurrence of maternal depression was associated with youth depressive and conduct symptoms. Moreover, early adolescent exposure to maternal depression predicted youth depressive symptoms for all children. Exposure to maternal depression during preschool, childhood, and early adolescence each independently predicted youth conduct symptoms. Child ADHD status moderated the link between total recurrence of maternal depression and youth depressive symptoms and the link between preschool exposure and youth depressive symptoms. Child ADHD status did not moderate relations between total recurrence and timing of exposure to maternal depression and youth conduct symptoms.