The impact of partner support in the treatment of postpartum depression.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the impact of partner support in the treatment of mothers suffering from postpartum depression (PPD).


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Partner support has a measurable effect on women experiencing PPD.
Misri
S
S
Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia.
Kostaras
X
X
Fox
D
D
Kostaras
D
D
D000328:Adult; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008388:Marital Therapy; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D012944:Social Support; D018454:Spouses / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*