Post-partum depression affects 10-13% of Japanese women, but many do not receive appropriate treatment or support. This intervention study evaluated the effectiveness of home visits by mental health nurses for Japanese women with post-partum depression. Eighteen post-partum women met the inclusion criteria and were randomly allocated into the intervention (n = 9) or control (n = 9) group at 1-2 months after giving birth. The intervention group received four weekly home visits by a mental health nurse. Control group participants received usual care. Two women in the intervention group did not complete the study. Depressive symptoms and quality of life were measured at 1 and 6 weeks' postintervention. In addition, participants completed an open-ended questionnaire on satisfaction and meaning derived from the home visits. Women in the intervention group had significant amelioration of depressive symptoms over time and reported positive benefits from the home visits, but there were no statistically significant differences between groups. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed at times 2 and 3 between groups in terms of increased median scores of physical, environmental, and global subscales, and the total average score of the World Health Organization/quality of life assessment instrument. On the psychological subscale, significant differences (P = 0.042) were observed between groups at time 2. The qualitative analysis of comments about home visitation revealed four categories related to 'setting their mind at ease', 'clarifying thoughts', 'improving coping abilities', and 'removing feelings of withdrawal from others'. These results suggest that home visits by mental health nurses can contribute to positive mental health and social changes for women with post-partum depression. A larger trial is warranted to test this approach to care.

The psychometric properties of the Japanese Test of Self-Conscious Affect-3 (TOSCA-3), a self-report measure of self-conscious emotions, were examined in Japanese university students. Confirmatory factor analyses showed good fits of the theory-driven model for 6 emotions to the data. The subscales of the TOSCA-3 showed moderate correlations and internal consistency. Only the Shame subscale was greater among younger students, but women had higher shame and guilt than men. Social desirability moderately influenced some subscales. Test-retest reliability was good for shame and guilt. Time 1 shame predicted time 2 depression a week later. The Japanese version of the TOSCA-3 is a reliable and valid measure of self-conscious emotions among a Japanese population.

Purpose is study aimed to clarify the di culties experienced by mothers of children with pervasive developmental disorders PDD , their psychological support needs and the support apparatus available to them. Methods Ten mothers raising a child with PDD responded to semi-structured interviews. Interview data were analyzed qualitatively. Results e results of the analysis were as follows: 1 Five categories of di culties were identied: Burden due to a lack of adequate medical services and special education at home , Daily tension due to the pressure of keeping house, raising children, providing special training for children and supporting the child s educational needs , Struggle to nd the optimal way to raise the child , Long-lasting emotional instability due to continuous worries about the child s future , and Worries and stress about the child s school life. 2 Six categories of psychological support they are re