Depression-anxiety symptoms and stigma perception in the mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder

Objective: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of autism spectrum disorder (OSD) on the internalized stigma perception, depression/anxiety symptoms and quality of life of mothers of the children diagnosed with this disorder. Methods: Our study was consist of 69 patients admitted to Dicle University Medical Faculty Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Diseases outpatient clinic between April 20-December 25, 2017 and followed up for at least 6 months with OSD diagnosis. The socio-demographic data form evaluating the individual and familial characteristics of the patients was filled in by the clinician. Beck Depression Scale (BDI), Beck Anxiety Scale (BAI), Internalized Stigmatization Scale (RHIDS) and Autism Quality of Life Questionnaire (OYKAES) were applied to the mothers of the patients. Results: Of the total 69 patients, 58 were boys (84%), 11 were girls (16%) and their average age was 4.5 ± 1.3 years. The average age of the fathers was 37.1±6,6 years and the average age of the mothers was 32.7±5,6 years. The internalized stigmatization and depression/anxiety symptoms of the mothers were found to be moderate. Mothers' quality of life and life satisfaction scores were low. We found that the internalized stigma perception was higher in the mothers of the specially trained children with OSD. It was found that the internalized stigma perception of mothers decreased as their education level increased. Internalized stigma perception was significantly positively correlated with anxiety and depression symptoms. Also, there was a significant positive correlation between anxiety symptoms and depression symptoms. Internalized stigmatization perception and anxiety/depression symptoms were negatively correlated with maternal quality of life scale and life satisfaction score. As internalized stigmatization and anxiety/depression symptoms increased, the mother's quality of life declined. Moreover, we found that as the problematic behaviors of the patients increased, the internalized stigmatization perception and depression/anxiety symptoms increased. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the internalized stigma perception decreases as the education level of the mothers of the children who are followed up with autism is increased. Anxiety symptoms and internalized stigma perception of mothers increased as the maternal depression symptoms worsen. We found that as maternal internalized stigma perception increases, their quality of life declines. We have shown that the problematic behavior of children increases the perception of internalized stigmatization in mothers. Key words: Autism, maternal stigmatization perception, depression, anxiety