Child neurodevelopmental risk and parental depression at 2 years in the French ELFE birth cohort

Abstract Parental depression and early child neurodevelopment are closely interconnected, yet few population-based studies have examined both maternal and paternal depression in relation to early neurodevelopmental risk. This study aimed to examine the association between child neurodevelopmental risk and parental depression in the French national birth cohort Etude Longitudinale Francaise depuis l'Enfance (ELFE). We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 12,953 children and their parents who participated in the 2-year follow-up. Child neurodevelopmental risk was assessed at age 2 years using the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers and categorized as low, intermediate, or high risk. Parental depression was assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale and defined as maternal depression, paternal depression, or depression in at least one parent. Multivariable logistic regression models were adjusted for sociodemographic, pregnancy-related, and child characteristics. Compared with low child neurodevelopmental risk, intermediate risk was associated with higher odds of maternal depression and depression in at least one parent. High child neurodevelopmental risk was associated with substantially higher odds of maternal depression and depression in at least one parent. Associations with paternal depression were weaker and were no longer statistically significant after adjustment. These findings suggest that parental depression, particularly maternal depression, is associated with early child neurodevelopmental risk from the stage of initial developmental concerns. They support an integrated, family-centred approach combining early identification of child developmental vulnerability with attention to parental mental health.