Postpartum depression is a family affair: addressing the impact on mothers, fathers, and children

Issues Ment Health Nurs. 2012 Jul;33(7):445-57. doi: 10.3109/01612840.2012.673054.

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present research on the effects of postpartum depression (PPD) on mothers, fathers, and children that point to a re-conceptualization of PPD as a mental health condition that affects the whole family. As such, the objectives of this paper are to discuss: (1) the incidence and effects of PPD on mothers and fathers; (2) common predictors of PPD in mothers and fathers, and (3) the effects of PPD on parenting and parent-child relationships, and (4) the effects of PPD on children's health, and their cognitive and social-emotional development. Finally, the implications for screening and intervention if depression is re-conceptualized as a condition of the family are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child Behavior Disorders / nursing
  • Child Behavior Disorders / psychology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Depression, Postpartum / nursing*
  • Depression, Postpartum / psychology*
  • Family Conflict / psychology*
  • Family Therapy / methods
  • Fathers / psychology*
  • Female
  • Hostility
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Mothers / psychology*
  • Object Attachment
  • Parent-Child Relations*
  • Social Isolation
  • Social Support