Preventive Intervention with the Children of Depressed Parents

Abstract

Children of parents with depression are at significant risk for impairment, but little is known about preventive intervention strategies prior to the onset of illness in the children. This paper discusses a preventive approach to assisting families in helping children cope with parental affective disorder. A case study is presented which demonstrates the compatibility of this family-based intervention with psychoanalytically oriented treatment for the parent. Key aspects of this work include the enhancement of self-understanding and resiliency in children.