title: Maternal depression and infant development: theory and current evidence.
abstract: Maternal depression (MD) is a condition that has wide-ranging effects on the woman, her family, and the broader global society. It is generally agreed that MD is associated with untoward effects on the developmental trajectory of offspring. The aim of this article is to review the historical and theoretical underpinnings informing current thought linking MD with infant development, and to highlight some of the neuroendocrine and epigenetic processes related to MD and its sequelae. A broad understanding of the association between MD and infant developmental outcomes can inform nursing care of the childbearing family.
authors.affiliation: Lisa Miklush is an Assistant Professor, Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA. She can be reached via e-mail at miklush@gonzaga.edu Cynthia D. Connelly is Professor and Director of Nursing Research, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Miklush
authors.forename: Cynthia D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Connelly
mesh_terms: D002657:Child Development; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000503:physiopathology; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D009769:Object Attachment