Long-term consequences of postpartum depression on maternal psychological health and mother–child bonding: A community-based cohort study
Payel Roy, Sonu H. Subba, Arpit Parmar, Pankaj K. Mohanty, Arvind K. Singh, Binod K. Behera, Priyamadhaba Behera, Prajna P. GiriABSTRACT
Background:
Motherhood, although perceived as a fulfilling period, is accompanied by abrupt transitions in familial and social roles, driven by physiological and psychological changes associated with hormonal fluctuations and increased caregiving responsibilities.
Aim:
This study aimed to assess the long-term consequences of postpartum depression on mother–child dyads.
Methods:
In the community-based cohort study, 290 postpartum mothers were followed for 6 months to 5 years. Persistent depression was assessed using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale and confirmed by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition diagnostic criteria. Maternal suicidality risk was measured using the Suicide Behaviours Questionnaire-Revised. Mother–child bonding was evaluated using the Mother–Infant Bonding Questionnaire. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and a
Results:
29% of mothers with postpartum depression (PPD) were found to have chronic or persistent depression, and 12.9% had a high risk of suicidality. A significant association was found between PPD and persistent depression (OR = 4.74, 95% CI: 1.16–20.11,
Conclusion:
Maternal PPD exerts a substantial long-term impact on both maternal psychological wellbeing and mother–child bonding. These findings underscore the need to incorporate early screening and intervention protocols for PPD within the National Mental Health Programme to mitigate long-term adverse outcomes for the mother–child dyad.