Use of video feedback intervention in an inpatient perinatal psychiatric setting to improve maternal parenting.

This study utilizes video feedback to improve maternal parenting behavior in clinically depressed mothers admitted to a perinatal inpatient psychiatric unit. Depressed mothers (n = 74) were randomized to "video" (n = 25), "verbal" (n = 26), or "standard care" (n = 23). "Video" mothers were taped playing with their infant; interaction was reviewed with a mental health specialist.

Primary care physician's attitudes and practices regarding antidepressant use during pregnancy: a survey of two countries.

Little is known about the practices of primary care physicians regarding the prescribing of antidepressants during pregnancy. An anonymous survey was administered to a group of nonrandomly selected Australian general practitioners (n = 61 out of 77) and randomly selected Canadian family physicians (n = 35 out of 111). Responses to a hypothetical scenario and questions regarding beliefs about the use of antidepressant medication during pregnancy were collected.

Bipolar affective disorder in the postnatal period: investigating the role of sleep.

Objectives: Psychotic disorders have a high rate of relapse in the postpartum period for reasons that are unclear, but may be related to changes in sleep patterns that occur during pregnancy and after birth. Understanding of the influence of sleep on postpartum psychosis presentation is limited. The aim of the current study was to investigate changes in sleep/wake activity during pregnancy and the postpartum period in women with a history of psychosis.

A geographic comparison of the prevalence and risk factors for postnatal depression in an Australian population.

Objective: This study sought to compare the contribution of demographic and psychosocial variables on the prevalence of, and risk for, PND in urban and rural women.

Methods: Demographic, psychosocial risk factor and mental health data was collected from urban (n=908) and rural (n=1,058) women attending perinatal health services in Victoria, Australia. Initial analyses determined similarities and significant differences between demographic and psychosocial variables.

Postnatal mental health of women giving birth in Australia 2002-2004: findings from the beyondblue National Postnatal Depression Program.

Objectives: To describe the postnatal mental health status of women giving birth in Australia 2002-2004 at 6-8 weeks postpartum.

Method: Women were recruited from 43 health services across Australia. Women completed a demographic questionnaire and an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) in pregnancy; the latter was repeated at 6-8 weeks following childbirth.

Single motherhood versus poor partner relationship: outcomes for antenatal mental health.

Objective: In the transition to parenthood, lack of social support significantly impacts on maternal mood. This paper compares the influence of single-mother status and level of partner support in a partnered relationship, on antenatal emotional health.

Methods: Antenatal demographic, psychosocial and mental health data, as determined by Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score, were collected from 1578 women.

To screen or not to screen--that is the question in perinatal depression.

Significant perinatal distress and depression affects 14% of women, producing short and long term consequences for the family. This suggests that measures for early detection are important, and non-identification of these women may exacerbate difficulties. Screening provides an opportunity to access large numbers of women and facilitate pathways to best-practice care.