The Effects of Post-Natal Depression on Mother/Child Attachment - Essay Example

The psychological help may be imparted by either medical practitioners, social workers, family members or by peer group. Postnatal depression has a profound effect on the mother-child attachment. Insecure mother-child attachment can lead to behavioral and emotional problems in the long run. Postnatal depression can also make it very difficult for the mother to parent the child. It can cause depression in the partner and also cause family and marital disturbances. Hence it is very important to treat the illness.

Which form of treatment is the best to treat postnatal depression is a much debated and researched topic. While those women with good family support have the privilege to be taken to the hospital and be treated, some women who come from communities where mental illness is considered a stigma may not be taken to the doctor and they suffer the disease silently. Social workers play a major role in the second type of population. This research is intended to identify which is the best social work intervention that is needed to minimize the effects of post-natal depression on mother-child attachment.

The study conducted will be a randomized-control trial. Cluster randomization of practice groups will be done. The study group will be supported by a social worker who will be trained in providing psychological support to women with postnatal depression. The control group will be provided with usual treatment. The outcomes of these groups will be measured using statistical methods. The main outcome that will be measured is improvement in symptoms at 6 months after childbirth. Other outcomes that will be measured are mother-child attachment and emotional and behavioral development of the child.

This research proposal is intended to examine the outcomes of mothers with postnatal depression who are offered support by trained health visitors compared with