According to a new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, brief psychotherapy sessions may be able to reduce depression in mothers of children with mood and anxiety disorders, leading also to improvements in the children.

The study was conducted by Holly Swartz, M.D., professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh, and colleagues. Mothers attended a handful of psychotherapy session over three month periods. The researchers found that a brief version of interpersonal psychotherapy or brief supportive psychotherapy led to reduced ratings for depression that were maintained throughout the year. Improvements in children occurred as well, but those improvements generally occurred three to six months later than the mothers, with the interpersonal psychotherapy leading to significantly fewer outpatient visits and less use of antidepressant medication.

For a more thorough report of the study, see the Psychiatric News Alert article “Brief Psychotherapy for Mothers May Benefit Children.” To see the study, CLICK HERE. For related information See also the Psychiatric News article “Family-Based Intervention May Help Prevent Anxiety Disorders in Children” and the Psychiatric Services study “PRogram In Support of Moms (PRISM): Development and Beta Testing.”

Photo Credit: Mat Hayward, Adobe Stock 67180387

On Saturday, May 14, 2016 there will be a Workshop on Individual Education Plans (IEPs) from 9:30 to 12 PM  in Pasadena addressing special education needs for a child with a mental health disability See the flyer for more information and to register go to https:namiparentcaregiver 2016.eventbrite.com.

The April General Meeting is tonight at First Lutheran Church, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

We will be reviewing a portion of a video from Dr. Xavier Amador, Learn to LEAP, on dealing with the issues of denial and coming to agreement.

The video, and Dr. Amador’s companion book, I Am Not Sick: I Don’t Need Help, address how family members can partner with people with a mental illness even when they don’t believe they are ill. We will be showing a portion of the video and have group discussion on the issue of denial–an issue with which family members and persons with a mental illness often struggle.

The Caring and Sharing Support Group will start at 6 PM in Faith Hall  and the Speaker Meeting at 7:30 PM in Faith Hall at the First Lutheran Church 2900 Carson in Torrance.