title: Depression treatment and maternal functioning.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In women with major depressive disorder (MDD), maternal role functioning is negatively impacted but has been shown to improve with treatment; however, most investigations have not included a control group or studied women longitudinally. We hypothesized that women with MDD who responded to serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) would have overall functioning and maternal role functioning scores similar to that of the control group and superior to women with MDD (either untreated or nonresponsive to SSRIs).
  
  
  METHODS
  This prospective, longitudinal observational study (n = 215) included postpartum assessments at 2 1/2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Postpartum women were categorized into four mutually exclusive exposure groups by depression and medication status: (1) Control group (no SSRI, no MDD; (2) Responder (SSRI, no MDD); (3) Untreated (MDD, no SSRI); and (4) Nonresponder (Both MDD and SSRI). Outcome variables include a measure of overall functioning (Global Assessment Scale, GAS) and three measures of maternal role functioning (Maternal Self Efficacy, ICS; Gratification in Maternal Role, GRAT; and overall maternal role functioning, IFSAC).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The study hypothesis was supported. Responders had scores related to overall functioning and maternal role functioning that were similar to the control group and superior to nonresponders and untreated women with MDD, as measured by the GAS and the GRAT.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Postpartum depression treatment optimally targets both symptom improvement and maternal functional recovery. The GRAT is a simple, self-administered instrument that can be used with a depression measure to assess maternal role functioning.
authors: University of Louisville, Nursing, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA. mclogs01@gwise.louisville.edu
authors: M Cynthia
authors: MC
authors: Logsdon
authors: Katherine
authors: K
authors: Wisner
authors: Dorothy
authors: D
authors: Sit
authors: James F
authors: JF
authors: Luther
authors: Stephen R
authors: SR
authors: Wisniewski
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008425:Maternal Behavior / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000523:psychology; D049590:Postpartum Period / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000523:psychology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors