Severe mood disorders: postnatal outcomes for mothers and infants
What is this study about?
Although there has been much research into depression during pregnancy and the postnatal period, there has been far less attention given to mothers with bipolar disorder or mothers with more severe depression.
We are interested in exploring the course of severe depression and bipolar disorder across the perinatal period, the experience of parenting for women with severe mood disorders, and important aspects of the mother-infant relationship.
What will the information be used for?
The information from this study will help us identify differences in the course of depression and bipolar disorder during pregnancy and the early postnatal period, and differences in maternal experiences of parenthood. It will likely identify protective factors that may encourage successful parenting and infant outcomes.
It is important to know that in any publication or report, information will be provided in such a way that you cannot be identified.
You will be eligible if you:
- Are aged over 18 years
- Have a past or current diagnosis of severe depression OR Bipolar I or II
- Are pregnant or have a baby less than 12 weeks of age
- Are fluent in English
- Are able to provide informed consent
We are also looking for 'control' participants - women who have never experienced depression or bipolar disorder over their lifetime.
What would I need to do?
Participation in this study involves:
- An interview and completion of questionnaires 3-months and 6-months after the birth of your baby
- Assessment of infant developmental milestones and mother-infant interaction at 6-months of age
As a token of our appreciation, women who participate in this study will receive a $50 Myer Shopping Voucher at the completion of the 6-month follow-up visit.
Who do I contact?
To participate in the study or to obtain more information, please phone Nicole Reilly on 02 9715 9224 or email her at
info.burwood@sjog.org.au.