title: Mothers with mental health problems: a systematic review.
abstract: Mothers with mental health problems meet challenges in coping with their condition, the responsibility of child rearing, and fulfilling their role as a mother. The aim of this study was to create a synthesis of the previous research on mothers with mental health problems and the challenges they face. A systematic literature search of international databases was undertaken, covering the period between January 1998 and April 2009. Nineteen articles met the inclusion criteria. The analysis process involved skimming, comprehending, analyzing, and synthesizing. Three themes emerged: the vulnerability of mothers with mental health problems, the fear of being perceived as not good enough as a mother, and concern that the children might develop mental health problems. In conclusion, the focus of the research field is shifting from viewing the mother's mental health problems from an individualistic perspective to considering them in a broader context of relational, economic, and environmental factors and on the basis of the mother-child relationship being characterized by interdependence.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Women's, Family and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Vestfold University College, Tønsberg, Norway. nina.blegen@hive.no
authors.forename: Nina E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Blegen
authors.forename: Jan K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Hummelvoll
authors.forename: Elisabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Severinsson
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D002668:Child Rearing; D002669:Child Welfare; D016241:Child of Impaired Parents / Q000523:psychology; D005239:Fear; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D008603:Mental Health; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D012107:Research Design; D035862:Vulnerable Populations