The impact of treatment intervention on parenting stress in postpartum depressed mothers: A prospective study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether treatment intervention for postpartum depression impacted maternal parenting stress levels. Twenty-three mothers referred for postpartum mood and anxiety disorder to an outpatient program were included in the study. Statistically and clinically significant decreases in levels of parenting stress were evident at the end of the treatment. Subjects' perceptions of their parenting characteristics were found to be a major contributor to stress levels. In addition to monitoring of depressive symptoms, routine assessment of maternal parenting qualities is recommended to ensure healthy child outcomes. Copyright 2006 by the American Psychological Association.