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Prevalence Of Depressive Disorders Among Caregivers Of Children With Autism In Thailand
Author(s):
Chawanun Charnsil*, Narumol Bathia**
Institution(s):
*Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand 50300, **Address: Department of Psychiatry, Utaradit Hospital, Amphur Muang Utaradit, Thailand.
Abstract:
Objective:
Raising children with autism is a stressful event for a family because of the interrelated negative effects. Studies on clinical depression among caregivers of children with autism are very few. The two main objectives were (i) to find the prevalence of Major Depressive Disorder and Dysthymic Disorder in caregivers of children with autism, and (ii) to determine the factors associated with these disorders.
Methods:
A total of 27 caregivers were interviewed by using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Thai version to find clinical depression in caregivers.
Results:
Almost 26 % of the participants demonstrated depressive disorders, of which 14.8% and 11.1% met diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder and Dysthymic Disorder respectively. Low education level was a significant factor associated with depression.
Conclusion:
The prevalence of clinical depression is higher among caregivers of children with autism than in the general population. Hence, psychiatrists should include the assessment for caregivers’ depression in their care plans for autistic children to enhance the development of the children and their caregivers. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol.11(1): Jan - June 2010: XX XX.
Keywords: Depressive Disorders, Autistic Caregivers in Thailand
For full article, please download the document, below:
 Prevalence Of Depressive Disorders Among Caregivers Of Children With Autism In Thailand (format: pdf, size: 445 Kb)
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