Long-term effect of persistent postpartum depression on children's psychological problems in childhood

• Published in: Journal of affective disorders 2022-05, Vol.305, p.71-76
• Main Authors: Tainaka, Hanae, Takahashi, Nagahide, Nishimura, Tomoko, Okumura, Akemi, Harada, Taeko, Iwabuchi, Toshiki, Rahman, Md Shafiur, Nomura, Yoko, Tsuchiya, Kenji J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Child; Child Behavior Disorders - psychology; Cohort study; Depression; Depression, Postpartum - psychology; Externalizing problems; Female; Humans; Internalizing problems; Mothers - psychology; Postpartum depression
• ISSN: 0165-0327; 1573-2517
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.02.061

Maternal postpartum depression (PPD) is a well-established risk factor for psychological problems in children; however, little is known about the sustained impact of persistent PPD patterns and severity on these problems in children. Data were obtained from mothers (N = 714) and children (N = 768) from the Hamamatsu Birth Cohort for Mothers and Children. Maternal depression was measured using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale at 2, 4, 10 weeks and 10 months postpartum. Children's internalizing and externalizing problems were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire at 6 years and 8–9 years old. Mothers were divided into 4 groups based on the trajectory of their PPD persistence: “No PPD,” “Transient PPD,” “Worsening PPD” and “Persistent PPD.” Linear regression analysis was used to examine the association of PPD persistence and severity with children's internalizing and externalizing problems. “Persistent PPD” was significantly associated with children's internalizing problems at 6 years old (Coefficient [95%CI] = 2.74 [1.30–4.19], P