Motherhood and postnatal disorder in an Italian sample

Abstract

Introduction Motherhood is a very intense psychological experience because it implies a deep reorganization of identity (Rolle et al., 2012). For some women to become mother is not only a happy event as our cultural system wish or as say that should be, but it can be a difficult moment. Aims To explore the level of post-natal depression (PND) and the risk factors for PND onset 1 month after the delivery. Methods Eight hundred and eighty-seven participants were recruited in an Italian hospital (mean age=33.23 years; SD=4.45). The EPDS (Cox et al., 1987), the CES-D (Radloff, 1977) and a risk factor data sheet were used. Results The CES-D and EPDS scores were significantly correlated ( r =.677; P F =2.540; P t =7.567; P t =7.579; P t =3.241; P t =7.248; P t =4.221; P t =6.209; P F =7.393; P t =3.836; P Conclusions The strong relation between the risk factors in the perinatal period and PND onset is confirmed. Support during pregnancy could be a protection factor for PND and thus for possible related difficulties in the relation between mother and child.