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Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
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Preconception depression and anxiety symptoms and maternal-infant bonding: a 20-year intergenerational cohort study

Craig A Olsson1,2,3, Elizabeth A Spry4,5, Yvette Alway5

  • 1Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Victoria, Geelong, Australia. craig.olsson@rch.org.au.

Archives of Women'S Mental Health
|October 28, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Adolescent and young adult depression and anxiety symptoms predict maternal-infant bonding difficulties. Early mental health support for young women is crucial for preventing postpartum bonding issues.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Early maternal-infant bonding is critical for child development.
  • Maternal mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, can negatively impact bonding.
  • Current interventions often focus on the perinatal period, potentially missing earlier risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the predictive relationship between adolescent and young adult depression and anxiety symptoms and later maternal-infant bonding difficulties.
  • To determine if mental health issues established before pregnancy impact postpartum bonding.
  • To inform preconception care strategies by highlighting the importance of early mental health support.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the Victorian Intergenerational Health Cohort Study (VIHCS), following offspring of the Victorian Adolescent Health Cohort Study (VAHCS).
  • Assessed depression and anxiety symptoms in female participants from adolescence to young adulthood (ages 14-29).
  • Administered the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ) at 2 and 12 months postpartum to mothers (n=395).

Main Results:

  • Preconception depression and anxiety symptoms, persisting from adolescence into young adulthood, significantly predicted maternal-infant bonding problems at both 2 and 12 months postpartum.
  • Depression and anxiety symptoms emerging in young adulthood also predicted bonding problems at 12 months postpartum.
  • These associations remained significant even after accounting for antenatal and concurrent postpartum depressive symptoms.

Conclusions:

  • Mental health support for young women, starting in adolescence, is essential for preventing future maternal-infant bonding challenges.
  • Preconception care should extend beyond physical health to encompass comprehensive mental health support.
  • Addressing adolescent and young adult depression and anxiety is a critical step in promoting positive maternal-infant relationships.

Keywords:
AdolescenceCohort studiesIntergenerationalMaternal bondingPreconception depressionYoung adulthood

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