The Impact of Partner Support in the Treatment of Postpartum Depression

• Published in: Canadian journal of psychiatry 2000-08, Vol.45 (6), p.554-558
• Main Authors: Misri, Shaila, Kostaras, Xanthoula, Fox, Don, Kostaras, Demetra
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Adult and adolescent clinical studies; Biological and medical sciences; Depression; Depression, Postpartum - psychology; Depression, Postpartum - therapy; Depressive Disorder, Major - psychology; Depressive Disorder, Major - therapy; Female; Humans; Male; Marital Therapy; Marriage - psychology; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Mood disorders; Personal relationships; Personality Inventory; Postpartum depression; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Psychotherapy, Group; Social Support; Spouses - education; Spouses - psychology
• ISSN: 0706-7437; 1497-0015
• DOI: 10.1177/070674370004500607

Objective: To determine the impact of partner support in the treatment of mothers suffering from postpartum depression (PPD). Method Patients underwent a comprehensive psychiatric assessment and were enrolled in the study only if they met the DSM-IV criteria for major depressive disorder with postpartum onset. Patients with PPD (n = 29) were assigned randomly to 2 treatment groups: group 1 (control group) consisted of patients only (n = 13), while group 2 (support group) consisted of patients (n = 16) and their partners. The patients in both groups were seen for 7 psychoeducational visits each. In group 2, partners participated in 4 of the 7 visits. Patients in both groups were administered a set of questionnaires that included the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Kellner Symptom Questionnaire, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), and the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI). In addition, during visits 1 and 7, all patients underwent assessment using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Instrument (MINI), section A (major depressive episode). The partners in both groups completed the DAS and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Results Relative to the control-group patients, the support-group patients displayed a significant decrease in depressive symptoms and other psychiatric conditions. Relative to the support group, the general health of the partners in the control group deteriorated. Conclusion Partner support has a measurable effect on women experiencing PPD.