Scoping Review of Interventions Supporting Mothers with Mental Illness: Key Outcomes and Challenges

Despite the fact that more than 60 % of women experiencing mental distress also care for dependent children, little is known about the efficacy of interventions supporting parents with mental illness. A scoping review of the literature published between 1997 and 2014 was conducted to obtain an overview of empirically evaluated interventions and to typify their outcomes. Our review identified 19 publications reporting on 9 interventions. The efficacy of programs was apparent and key components used by programs were recognized. To enhance the well-being of mothers with mental illness and their children an increased knowledge transfer in this field is required.