Maternal Depression and Anxiety Disorders: Longitudinal Secondary Data Analysis, 2020-2022

In this project, we aimed to increase what is known about the negative effects of maternal depression and anxiety disorders (MDAD) on the mental health outcomes of children. Mental health is a topical area of research that is receiving increasing attention in the media and is one of five ESRC strategic priorities for investment. The main aim of the project was to help develop an understanding of how mental depression and anxiety disorders are transmitted from one generation to the next and ultimately help to design interventions better able to reduce the consequences of maternal mental health for children. We have used data from QResearch, a large consolidated database derived from anonymized health records from general practices in England matched with hospital administrative data, the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES). Further information is available under Related Resources.