CHILDHOOD ABUSE, POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AND PARENTING DIFFICULTIES - ALITERATURE-REVIEW OF ASSOCIATIONS

Objective: The aim of this paper is to obtain an understanding of the links between maternal postpartum depression, poor parenting and child hood abuse, and the subsequent development of adult psychopathology in children from these families. Method: A literature review was underta ken of studies on postpartum depression looking at parental childhood abuse, parenting and child outcomes, as well as childhood abuse and it s association with adult depression and parenting difficulties. Result s: Considerable overlap is noted in predisposing factors for major dep ression, postpartum depression, inadequate parenting and childhood abu se. Links appear to begin in early infancy, suggesting postpartum depr ession as a possible mechanism for intergenerational transmission of p sychopathology. Conclusions: Further research is required to look at t he outcome of children of women who ape at high risk of chronic or rec urrent depression and of difficulties parenting; the postpartum period is the optimum time for identification and intervention.