Prenatal dysthymia versus major depression effects on early mother-infant interactions: a brief report

Infant Behav Dev. 2009 Jan;32(1):129-31. doi: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2008.09.003. Epub 2008 Nov 25.

Abstract

Maternal dysthymia and major depression effects on mother-infant interactions were assessed when the infants were 3-months-old. The dysthymia group mothers spent less time smiling, touching and imitating their infants and more time moving their infants' limbs. The infants of the dysthymia group mothers spent less time smiling and more time showing distress behaviors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Child Development
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / psychology*
  • Dysthymic Disorder / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Maternal Behavior / psychology
  • Mother-Child Relations*
  • Pregnancy / psychology
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales