Depression symptomatology in mothers with mild intellectual disability: An exploratory study

Abstract

The Beck Depression Inventory was administered to mothers with a history of mild intellectual disability and to mothers in a contrast group. The results showed that not only did mothers with intellectual disability score significantly higher on the Beck, but also three times as many of these mothers scored above a frequently used cutoff score considered to be indicative of depression. There were also differences in patterns of symptomatology. Further studies are suggested where relationships between depression symptomatology and childcare in mothers with intellectual disability should be examined.