20.5 IMPACT OF MOTHER-INFANT THERAPY GROUP INTERVENTION FOR POSTPARTUM MOOD DISORDERS ON MOTHERS’ ANXIETY AND PARTNER RELATIONSHIPS

Abstract

Postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are increasingly being recognized as major public health issues with potential long-term impacts on infant social and emotional development and family functioning. This study evaluates a 12-week Mother-Infant Therapy Group (MIT-G) program related to anxiety and mother-partner relationship outcomes. The objectives are to: 1) describe baseline levels of anxiety of mothers and fathers in a clinical sample participating in MIT-G; 2) compare self-reported anxiety levels in participants before and after completion of the group intervention, which provides treatment for the mother's mental health and the mother-infant relationship, as well as the infant's mental health and development; and 3) evaluate the quality of the parenting partner relationship as self-reported by mothers and fathers pre- and postintervention.