The role of dysfunctional attitudes towards motherhood in postpartum depressive symptoms and disorder

Abstract

Introduction: Postpartum depression (PPD) is the commonest postpartum psychiatric condition, with prevalence rates around 20%1. PPD is associated with a range of adverse outcomes for both the mother and infant2. Therefore, identifying modifiable risk factors for perinatal depression is an important public health issue3. Objectives: To explore the role of dysfunctional attitudes towards motherhood in postpartum depressive symptoms and disorder. Methods: 247women were evaluated in the third (12.08-4.25weeks) and sixth months (31.52-7.16 weeks) postpartum with theAttitudes Towards Motherhood Scale4, the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale5 and the Diagnostic Interview for Psychological Distress- Postpartum6. Correlation analysis was performed followed by linear/ logistic regression analysis when the coefficients proved significant (p