Abstract
Objective: To investigate the depressive disorder in the mothers of Thalassemia Patients using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), and to suggest apposite policy initiatives.
Methodology: This cross sectional correlational study was carried out in Thalassemia centers in the Punjab, Pakistan during November 2019 and 120 mothers were conveniently interviewed. The socio-economic status of the respondents was studied using a self-designed interview schedule and the depressive disorder was measured by using HDRS. The influence of various variables on the depressive disorder was analyzed through multiple liner regression analysis.
Results: High scores of the respondents on HDRS were observed. Among 20.8% respondents, the depression was at very severe level, in 22.5% at severe level, in 28.3% at moderate level, and in the 25.0% it was mild. Only 3.3% respondents were normal. There was inability to concentrate on routine activities, impact of disease on economic status, poor behavior of the relatives, inability to attend social gatherings and the poor relationship with the husband were the outcomes of caregiving. Multiple linear regression analysis showed these were the major causes of depression among the respondents.
Conclusion: There is high prevalence of depression among the mothers of thalassemia patients. There is need to initiate an effective policy to address the incidence of depression among this segment.

Key words: Depressive disorder, thalassemia, depression.