Symptoms In Mothers Research Articles

Couple comorbidity and correlates of postnatal depressive symptoms in mothers and fathers in the first two weeks following delivery

BackgroundPostnatal depression affects a significant number of parents; however, its co-occurrence in mothers and fathers has not been studied extensively. Identifying predictors and correlates of postnatal depressive symptoms can help develop effective interventions. MethodsQuestionnaires on several socio-demographic and psychosocial factors were administered to 276 couples within two weeks after birth. Depressive symptoms in mothers and fathers were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). After calculating the correlation coefficient between mothers and fathers’ EPDS scores, univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to identify significant correlates of postnatal depressive symptoms in mothers and fathers. ResultsPrevalence of maternal and paternal postnatal depressive symptoms was 15.9% (EPDS>12) and 5.4% (EPDS>10), respectively. There was a moderate positive correlation between mothers and fathers’ EPDS scores (r=.30, p<.001). Multivariate analyses indicated that parental stress was the strongest predictor for maternal and paternal postnatal depressive symptoms. Pregnancy- and birth-related distress and partners’ EPDS scores were also associated with depressive symptoms in both parents. Relationship satisfaction was only inversely related with fathers’ EPDS scores, while mothers’ EPDS scores were additionally associated with critical life events, history of childhood violence, and birth-related physiological complaints. LimitationsSince information about participation rates (those who declined) is unavailable, we cannot rule out sampling bias. Further, some psychosocial factors were assessed using single items. ConclusionSince co-occurrence of depressive symptoms in mothers and fathers is high, developing and evaluating postnatal depression interventions for couples may be beneficial. Interventions to reduce parenting stress may help prevent parental postnatal depression.

Factors Associated with Post-Traumatic Symptoms in Mothers of Preterm Infants

ObjectivesSymptoms of post-traumatic distress in mothers of preterm infants have been a subject of mental health research. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of and risk factors associated with such symptoms in mothers of preterm infants in Taiwan. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study performed between January 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011. One hundred and two mothers of preterm infants born at less than 37weeks gestation and with a subsequent neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay between 2005 and 2009 were recruited. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and the neuroticism subscale of the Maudsley Personality Inventory (MPI). The preterm infants' data were taken from medical records. ResultsThe prevalence of symptoms of distress was 25.5% (26/102) in the participants. These symptoms were associated with previous miscarriages, preterm premature rupture of membranes, neurotic personality and depression. ConclusionsThe experience of preterm birth and NICU hospitalization can be traumatic to mothers. Early support for mothers during the preterm infants' NICU stay and transition to home care are recommended.

Early Detection of Postpartum Depressive Symptoms in Mothers and Fathers and Its Relation to Midwives' Evaluation and Service Provision: A Community-Based Study.

Postpartum parental mental health problems pose a serious risk for child development and often remain undetected in postpartum primary care. Within the framework of the German Midwifes Prevention Study, the aim of this study was to investigate the presence of postpartum emotional distress in mothers and fathers, and the detection of distressed parents by midwives in a primary care setting. We also examined whether a temporal extension of the postpartum midwife care period is associated with greater use of midwife contacts and higher rates of referral to further professional support if needed. Mothers, fathers, and midwives filled out questionnaires at 2 weeks (t 1) and 6 months (t 2) postpartum. Compared to standard care in the control group (CG), midwives in an intervention group (IG) offered extended postpartum care of 6 months postpartum. Parental psychological distress was assessed using the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS). Midwives reported on parental psychological distress as well as the number of postpartum contacts and referrals to additional social- and health-care providers. Based on their ratings, midwives identified half of mothers and around one-quarter of fathers with elevated depressive symptoms according to the EPDS at t 1 and t 2. IG mothers used significantly more midwife contacts than CG mothers. IG mothers with high-postnatal psychological distress at t 2 used significantly more contacts than mothers with lower levels of distress. IG mothers with high-psychological distress at t 2 were referred to additional support services more often than mothers with lower levels of distress.

Factors Related to Depressive Symptoms in Mothers of Technology-Dependent Children

Mothers caring for technology-dependent children at home often suffer clinically significant and unrecognized depressive symptoms. The study aim was to determine factors related to elevated depressive symptoms and provide information to target interventions that assists mothers in self-management of their mental health. Secondary data analysis from a descriptive, correlational study of 75 mothers was performed. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis results indicate that younger, unpartnered mothers with lower normalization efforts and personal resourcefulness, and less care hours, had increased depressive symptoms. The importance of personal resourcefulness and the potential for a resourcefulness training intervention to reduce depressive symptoms are discussed.

Progress of PTSD symptoms following birth: a prospective study in mothers of high-risk infants.

To understand how postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in mothers of high-risk infants progress and identify what factors predict postpartum PTSD. We prospectively obtained self-reported psychological data from neonatal intensive care unit discharged infants' mothers (NICU mothers) at the infants' corrected ages of 1 (T0), 3 (T1) and 12 months (T2) and mothers of healthy infants (controls). Maternal sociodemographic and infant-related factors were also investigated. PTSD was present in 25 and 9% of NICU mothers and controls, respectively. We identified four PTSD patterns: none, persistent, delayed and recovered. The postpartum PTSD course was associated with trait anxiety. Whether the infant was the first child who predicted PTSD at year 1 (adjusted odds ratio=7.62, 95% confidence interval=1.07 to 54.52). Mothers of high-risk infants can develop early or late PTSD, and its course can be influenced by factors besides medical status. We therefore recommend regular screenings of postpartum PTSD.

Predictors of persistent maternal depression trajectories in early childhood: results from the EDEN mother-child cohort study in France.

Maternal depression in the pre- and postpartum period may set women on a course of chronic depressive symptoms. Little is known about predictors of persistently elevated depressive symptoms in mothers from pregnancy onwards. The aims of this study are to determine maternal depression trajectories from pregnancy to the child's fifth birthday and identify associated risk factors. Mothers (N=1807) from the EDEN mother-child birth cohort study based in France (2003-2011) were followed from 24-28 weeks of pregnancy to their child's fifth birthday. Maternal depression trajectories were determined with a semi-parametric group-based modelling strategy. Sociodemographic, psychosocial and psychiatric predictors were explored for their association with trajectory class membership. Five trajectories of maternal symptoms of depression from pregnancy onwards were identified: no symptoms (60.2%); persistent intermediate-level depressive symptoms (25.2%); persistent high depressive symptoms (5.0%); high symptoms in pregnancy only (4.7%); high symptoms in the child's preschool period only (4.9%). Socio-demographic predictors associated with persistent depression were non-French origin; psychosocial predictors were childhood adversities, life events during pregnancy and work overinvestment; psychiatric predictors were previous mental health problems, psychological help, and high anxiety during pregnancy. Persistent depression in mothers of young children is associated to several risk factors present prior to or during pregnancy, notably anxiety. These characteristics precede depression trajectories and offer a possible entry point to enhance mother's mental health and reduce its burden on children.

Mother-Daughter Relationships in the Recovery and Rehabilitation of Women with Major Depression

This qualitative study examined the relationship between mothers with major depression and their adult daughters. Five themes emerged from individual interviews with twelve mother-daughter dyads including, enduring emotional bond, evolving as a mother, ongoing problems in connecting, advocacy and self-help, and mutual support. Findings indicated that despite challenges resulting from the mother's symptoms of depression, the relationship undoubtedly played a critical role in the mother's recovery. Recommendations are made for therapists on addressing issues that result from a mother's major depression, improving communication in the mother-adult daughter relationship, and utilizing family psychoeducation, and self-help and advocacy services.

Gender differences in depression across parental roles.

Prior research has focused on the relationship between parenthood and psychological well-being, with mixed results. Some studies have also addressed potential gender differences in this relationship, again yielding varied findings. One reason may be methodological choices pursued in these studies, including the lack of focus on combined parental roles (for example, biological parent and stepparent). The authors used data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, 1979 (N = 6,276) and multinomial treatment models to address how combined roles influence depressive symptoms in mothers and fathers. Further, they explored potential gender differences. Their results indicated that having multiple parental roles is negatively associated with psychological well-being for both men and women, whereas childlessness is more negative for women, and specific parental role combinations affect mothers and fathers differently. Within the context of changing family structure in the United States, these results have important implications for social workers and other mental health professionals-particularly with regard to screening for depression among parents, who are less likely to seek mental health counseling than childless adults.

Risk factors for postpartum depressive symptoms in low-income women with very low-birth-weight infants.

This study examined factors associated with postpartum depressive symptoms in mothers with premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). A total of 113 new mothers with very low-birth-weight infants in their initial NICU admission were recruited from 2 urban hospitals servicing low-income minority communities. This study employed a cross-sectional design. Data were collected during the infants' postpartum NICU admission and included maternal demographic information (eg, age, education, race, living with the baby's father), infant illness severity (Neurobiologic Risk Score from infant's medical record), and maternal psychological measures (the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the Perinatal Posttraumatic Stress Questionnaire, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory). The findings indicated that 47 (42%) women had elevated postpartum depressive symptoms and 33 (30%) women had elevated postpartum posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSs). Factors associated with postpartum depressive symptoms included PTS, anxiety, maternal age, and whether the mother lived with the baby's father (F₄, ₁₀₄ = 52.27, P < .001). The severity of the infants' illness, parental stress, and maternal education were not associated with depressive symptoms among low-income mothers of NICU infants. On the basis of our findings, we recommend that low-income women should be screened for symptoms of anxiety, posttraumatic stress, and postpartum depression on their infants' admission to the NICU. When this is not feasible, we advise NICU healthcare providers to assess women for familial support, maternal age, posttraumatic stress related to their infants birth, and anxiety to determine which mothers are at the greatest risk for postpartum depressive symptoms. Screening for postpartum depression in the NICU can aid in early identification and treatment, thereby decreasing negative consequences for mothers and their infants.

Comparison of psychological functioning in children and their mothers living through a life-threatening and non life-threatening chronic disease: A pilot study.

Childhood chronic illness is a potential source of distress and can be a traumatic experience both for the child and for the family. Several studies highlighted the importance of integrating psychosocial care and standard medical practice in the child's care. The current pilot study is the first investigation that compared distress in children and their mothers living through a life-threatening illness (cancer) and a non life-threatening (juvenile rheumatoid arthritis) chronic disease. Findings show that there are differences in the psychological functioning in children with respect to age. Moreover, the presence of posttraumatic stress symptoms in mothers of children with cancer seems to be a possible key to understanding the psychological response in this specific population.

Family accommodation mediates the association between anxiety symptoms in mothers and children

ObjectiveThe link between child anxiety and maternal anxiety has been well established but the factors underlying this association are not well understood. One potential factor is family accommodation, which describes ways in which parents change their behaviour to help a child avoid or alleviate anxiety. Family accommodation has been associated with greater symptom severity, more impairment and poorer treatment outcomes in the child. The aim of this study was to investigate whether maternal accommodation mediates the relation between parent and child anxiety.MethodMothers of children (N = 85) aged 7–17 years (M = 11.79) completed measures of their own anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)), their child's anxiety (Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED)), and family accommodation (Family Accommodation Scale Anxiety (FASA)). Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the mediational role of accommodation linking parent and child anxiety.ResultsFamily accommodation was found to significantly mediate the link between maternal anxiety and child anxiety.ConclusionThese results inform theory and imply that the development of interventions designed to target family accommodation may improve the prognosis of those diagnosed with paediatric anxiety disorders and youth with subclinical anxiety symptoms by reducing both parent and child anxiety.

Psychological distress and perceived stress, among mothers of infants with orofacial clefts in a tertiary hospital in Lagos, Nigeria

Background: Arrival of a child with cleft lip or palate is characterized by mixed feelings in the parents. The aim of the study was to determine the magnitude of psychological distress, attributional beliefs on causation, perceived stress symptoms in mothers of infants with cleft lip and palate. Subjects and Methods: Questionnaires about causal beliefs (MCA), the General health questionnaire-version 12 and Perceived stress Scale (PSS) were administered to mothers of babies with cleft lip and palate. Results: Psychological distress was noted in 12 (23.1%) of the cases. On the PSS scale, 9 (17.9%) of the mothers had the perception of more than average stress. A higher proportion of mothers with more than average perceived stress had combined cleft lip and palate (66.7%). Many mothers (n = 43, 82.7%) had no understanding of the cause of their childs deformity. There was a significant relationship between the presence of Psychological distress and the mothers perception of stress (P < 0.005). Thirty-eight (73%) of mothers who had cleft babies admitted to subjective feelings of misery and depression in relation to coping with the deformity and this was significantly associated with the experience of psychological distress (P = 0.016) with 9 (75%) of them having suggestive scores on the GHQ. Also among these mothers those who reported more perceptions of stress also seemed to endorse more subjective feelings of depression (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Mothers of babies with cleft lip and palate can go through difficult emotions that make them perceive their role as being stressful. This has implications on their overall emotional wellbeing. Early maternal mental health screening, health education explaining causation are useful strategies that can be embedded in protocols to help promote both maternal and child mental health in this special population group.

A Little Bit of the Blues: Low-Level Symptoms of Maternal Depression and Classroom Behavior Problems in Preschool Children

Research Findings: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between low-level depressive symptoms in mothers and teacher-reported child behavioral outcomes. Participants included 442 low-income mothers of preschool-age children who were screened for maternal depression by their child's preschool teacher. Teacher reports of child behavior problems were collected on a random sample of the children (n = 264). Of mothers screened for depression, 16.7% reported low-level depressive symptoms (below the cutoff on the screener indicating clinically elevated symptoms). Analyses revealed that children of mothers with low-level depressive symptoms had significantly greater problems with externalizing behavior compared to children of mothers with no depressive symptoms. Practice or Policy: Results suggest that children whose mothers experience even low-level depressive symptoms are at risk for problems with behavior, pointing to the need for screening and interventions to address maternal depression at all levels of severity. Early childhood education providers are in an excellent position to support families impacted by symptoms of maternal depression through screening and education, supportive daily interactions, and referrals for services if needed. Teachers can also provide direct support for high-risk children's social and emotional skill development through the provision of sensitive, nurturing care.

Actor–partner model of physiology, negative affect, and depressive symptoms in mother–child dyadic interactions

Mother–child interactions can be emotionally charged, particularly when mothers experience difficulties with depression. Further, variation in the tone of such interactions has been linked to variation in youth functioning. Yet, little is known about the role of emotion regulatory processes during mother–child interactions. This study examined negative affective transactions between mothers and youth across 5-min conflict and fun-activity planning discussions, in relation to depressive symptoms and maternal and youth respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). Maternal depressive symptoms predicted more negative affect. Maternal and youth RSA interacted with maternal depressive symptoms to predict both overall affect and the stability of affect across time. The beneficial effects of youth RSA were stronger, but maternal RSA weaker, in the face of elevated maternal depression.

Depressive Symptoms in Mothers of Recently Adopted Post-Institutionalized Children

To determine whether depressive symptoms are elevated within months of adoption, we compared women who had recently adopted a toddler from an overseas orphanage to women with children of the same age who adopted more than a year before or were raising a child they birthed. The groups did not differ significantly in means or in percentage with elevated symptoms (Session 1, χ2(2) = 2.5, ns; Session 2, χ2(2) = 1.38, ns). The results provided no evidence of elevated symptoms in the first months following adoption for women who adopted internationally relative to other women with toddler-aged children.

Effects of Education on Oral and Dental Care of Pregnant Women, Based on the Health Belief Model

ntroduction: Oral/dental care is necessary for the health of mother and her fetus during pregnancy. Recent research has indicated a relationship between periodontal diseases and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as premature delivery, low birth weight, and neonatal admission in intensive care units. The present study aimed to examine the effects of education on oral/dental care of pregnant women, based on the health belief model. Methods: This interventional study was performed in 2012 on case (n=72) and control (n=72) groups, selected by multi-step random sampling, at Mashhad healthcare centers. The case group participated in 4 training session, based on the health belief model components. Data collection tools consisted of examination and a researcher-made questionnaire including 50 items regarding the components of health belief model (perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, and action) and oral/dental care performance; the questionnaire was completed before and 45 days after the intervention. Results:Before the intervention, no significant relationship was observed between the average scores of different components in the two groups. However, after the intervention, the average scores of knowledge and different components of the model (including susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, and performance) significantly increased (P<0.001). Conclusion:The findings supported the impact and efficiency of health belief model in oral and/dental care training. Therefore, it is suggested that model-based training be performed to educate oral and dental care in healthcare centers; this type of training will ultimately decrease the symptoms of mother and child.

Emotional awareness as a pathway linking adult attachment to subsequent depression.

Although research links insecure adult attachment with depression, the emotional processes accounting for this association over time remain relatively unexplored. To address this gap, this study investigated whether deficits in emotional awareness serve as one explanatory process. Adult female caregivers (N = 417, Mage = 37.83) completed questionnaires annually for 3 years. As anticipated, attachment avoidance exerted an indirect effect on depression via emotional awareness. Attachment anxiety directly predicted subsequent depression, but the indirect effect through emotional awareness was nonsignificant. These results suggest that an avoidant attachment style interferes with the effective processing of emotions, thereby placing women at risk for depression. This research implicates emotional awareness as a potential target for interventions aimed at reducing depressive symptoms in mothers with avoidant attachment styles.

Reactions and attitudes to postpartal mental symptoms in a rural community.

We examined the reactions of population, social and health care professionals and local politicians in the context of a narrative case of a newborn and her mother evincing postpartal mental symptoms. The results of this postal questionnaire study indicated that in assessing the urgent need for support, a significant positive association prevailed in the resident cohort with female gender, age over 50 years or being a parent. Professionals and politicians estimated that appropriate care and access to care would be obtained in the maternity and child health clinic in the local health centre. Residents would contact relatives rather than social and health care professionals. A future challenge is to promote the knowledge and sensitivity of the general population in recognizing mental symptoms in mothers with small children. Adequate information is also called for regarding local services and means of access to care.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Depressive Symptoms in Mothers with Infants or Toddlers

The objective of this study is to explore the prevalence of and factors associated with depressive symptoms in mothers with young children. This is a cross-sectional face-to-face study performed between January 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011. Mothers of premature infants with a gestational age of less than 37 weeks were recruited. Premature infants with any congenital anomaly or severe congenital heart disease were excluded. Controls were mothers of full-term infants with birth weight over 2500 g and without admission to a neonatal intensive care unit. Outcome measures included the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale for maternal depressive symptoms, the Family Apgar Index for family support, and the Chinese Maudsley Personality Inventory for personality traits. A total of 102 mothers of preterm infants and 111 mothers of full-term infants were recruited. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 27.7% (59/213) in all mothers of this study, 29.4% (30/102) in mothers of preterm infants, and 26.1% (29/111) in mothers of full-term infants. Predictors of maternal depressive symptoms included the following: extended family structure, lack of postpartum confinement, low family support, and a personality characterized by neuroticism. Depressive symptoms were common among mothers of young children. Family function and neurotic personality were highly correlated with depressive symptoms in mothers caring for young children. Pediatric health care providers are suggested to screen for maternal depressive symptoms and provide family-oriented support in Taiwan.

Prenatal immunologic predictors of postpartum depressive symptoms: a prospective study for potential diagnostic markers

In postpartum depression (PPD), immunologic changes have been proposed to be involved in the disease pathology. The study evaluates the regulation of the innate and adaptive immune response over the course of late pregnancy and postpartum period and their association with the development of postpartum depressive symptoms. Furthermore, prenatal immunologic markers for a PPD were investigated. Hundred pregnant women were included. At 34th and 38th week of pregnancy as well as 2 days, 7 weeks and 6 months postpartum, immune parameters (neopterin, regulatory T cells, CXCR1, CCR2, MNP1 and CD11a) were measured by flow cytometry/ELISA, and the psychopathology was evaluated. We found that regulatory T cells were significantly increased prenatal (p=0.011) and postnatal (p=0.01) in mothers with postnatal depressive symptoms. The decrease in CXCR 1 after delivery was significantly higher in mother with postnatal depressive symptoms (p=0.032). Mothers with postnatal depressive symptoms showed already prenatal significantly elevated neopterin levels (p=0.049). Finally, regulatory T cells in pregnancy strongly predict postnatal depressive symptoms (p=0.004). The present study revealed that prenatal and postnatal immunologic parameters are associated with postpartum depressive symptoms in mothers. In addition, we found immune markers that could eventually be the base for a biomarker set that predicts postnatal depressive symptoms already during pregnancy.