Maternal Depression and Early Intervention

Abstract

Depression is a serious disorder with severe and far-reaching consequences. Two decades of observational research have shown robust associations between maternal depression and adverse consequences on offspring (Campbell et al., 2004; Campbell, Matestic, von Stauffenberg, Mohan, & Kirchner, 2007; Campbell, Morgan-Lopez, Cox, & McLoyd, 2009; National Research Council & Institute of Medicine, 2009). Depressive symptoms may pose particular risk to infants and toddlers with neurodevelopmental disabilities, whose long-term outcomes depend heavily on the provision of Early Intervention (EI). EI is most effective with active parental engagement. Maternal depressive symptoms may reduce parental engagement, thereby limiting EI benefits to the child (Gaynes, Gavin & Meltzer –Brody, 2005; O’Hara & Swain, 1996). At present, maternal mental health is not directly addressed in EI. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the literature and significance of maternal depression and apply that evidence to mothers of children with developmental delays and disabilities. We conclude that maternal mental health and well-being is currently insufficiently addressed in the EI population. An increased integration of mental health and EI services is needed to serve the unique needs of families who face an increased risk of stress and depression while coping with their child’s special needs.

Mellow Babies and Mellow Toddlers: Effects on maternal mental health of a group-based parenting intervention for at-risk families with young children

“…Our study demonstrates that participation in MP was associated with significantly improved maternal mental health, parenting confidence, and child conduct problems post-intervention. We also note that the improvements in maternal mental health and parenting confidence are consistent with approaches that suggest that parenting interventions should focus on both parent and child wellbeing (Alvarez, Meltzer-Brody, Mandel, & Beeber, 2015), particularly when families are targeted on the basis of parental risk factors. Moreover, high parenting confidence may act as a buffer against factors such as parental depression, stress, relationship difficulties, and compromised child development, though the direction of influence is unclear (Coleman & Karraker, 2003;T.…”

Different patterns of attentional bias in antenatal and postpartum depression

“…Signs of emotional numbing at this important time in life may have long‐lasting consequences for child development and well‐being. Maternal sensitivity, healthy attachment, parental engagement, and reciprocal social interaction, all of which may be hampered in women with postpartum depression, are required for a normal psychoemotional development of the child (Alvarez, Meltzer‐Brody, Mandel, & Beeber, 2015). Our findings thus emphasize the need to identify and treat women with postpartum depression at the earliest possible time point to ensure swift recovery and support for the family.…”

Programming Effects of Prenatal Stress on Neurodevelopment—The Pitfall of Introducing a Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

“…The growing body of literature on prenatal stress and child neurodevelopment has led to increased attention for prenatal stress and following recommendations to prevent stress during pregnancy [15,18,19,20]. Although these recommendations are aimed at preventing prenatal stress, they may paradoxically induce it.…”