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Baldoni F, Ancora G, Latour JM. Being the Father of a Preterm-Born Child: Contemporary Research and Recommendations for NICU Staff. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:724992. [PMID: 34552898 PMCID: PMC8450441 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.724992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Most studies on parental reactions to a preterm birth and to hospitalization of the newborn in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) have involved mothers. However, emotional responses and behaviors of fathers are equally important. Usually, the father is the first to meet the preterm newborn, to find out information about baby's condition and to communicate to the mother and other family members. In this context he is often left alone and can show psychological difficulties including affective disorders such as depression or anxiety. This paper describes the role of fathers in the NICU, the best practices to support fathers, and to explain the role of a psychologist in the NICU staff. Considerations and suggestions are provided on the difficulties encountered to support parents, with a focus on the role of fathers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods and Discussion: Considering contemporary research data and following an attachment perspective, we analyze the role of the father of a preterm-born child in the relation with the partner and in newborn caring. Research has shown that involving fathers in newborn care in NICU and at home is essential not only because it promotes the father/son attachment relationship and has positive effects on the psychological and somatic development of the newborn, but also for the health of the mother and whole family. Conclusion: Recommendations are provided to enhance the functions of fathers in the NICU, promote their involvement in the care of their infant, and interventions to prevent the manifestation of psychological suffering and/or perinatal affective disorders. The commitments of a psychologist in a NICU team are presented and require not only clinical skills, but also the ability to manage the emotional and relational difficulties of fathers, family and NICU staff. Considerations and suggestions are provided on the difficulties encountered by parents in the NICU during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Baldoni
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gina Ancora
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Infermi Hospital, Rimini, Italy
| | - Jos M Latour
- Faculty of Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom.,Department of Nursing, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
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Bruno A, Celebre L, Mento C, Rizzo A, Silvestri MC, De Stefano R, Zoccali RA, Muscatello MRA. When Fathers Begin to Falter: A Comprehensive Review on Paternal Perinatal Depression. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17041139. [PMID: 32053929 PMCID: PMC7068539 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17041139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The transition to parenthood is considered to be a major life transition that can increase the vulnerability to parental depressive disorders, including paternal perinatal depression (PPND). Although it is known that many fathers experience anxiety and depression during the perinatal period, PPND is a recent diagnostic entity and there are not enough published studies on it. Accordingly, its prevalence and epidemiology are still not well defined, although the majority of studies agree that PPND is less frequent than maternal perinatal depression and postpartum depression. Nevertheless, PPND is different from maternal perinatal mental health disorders, usually, fathers have less severe symptoms, and mood alterations are often in comorbidity with other affective disorders. Despite the absence of DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and the fluctuation of prevalence rates, clinical symptoms have been defined. The main symptoms are mood alterations and anxiety, followed by behavioral disturbances and concerns about the progress of pregnancy and the child’s health. Moreover, PPND negatively impacts on family functioning, on couples’ relationships, and on family members’ well-being. The aim of this paper is to present an overview of the current understandings on PPND and the potential screening, prevention, and treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Bruno
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
- Psychiatry Unit, Polyclinic Hospital University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Laura Celebre
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
- Psychiatry Unit, Polyclinic Hospital University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Carmela Mento
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
- Psychiatry Unit, Polyclinic Hospital University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Amelia Rizzo
- Psychiatry Unit, Polyclinic Hospital University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | | | - Rosa De Stefano
- Psychiatry Unit, Polyclinic Hospital University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Rocco Antonio Zoccali
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
- Psychiatry Unit, Polyclinic Hospital University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Anna Muscatello
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
- Psychiatry Unit, Polyclinic Hospital University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
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Brandon AR, Ceccotti N, Hynan LS, Shivakumar G, Johnson N, Jarrett RB. Proof of concept: Partner-Assisted Interpersonal Psychotherapy for perinatal depression. Arch Womens Ment Health 2012; 15:469-80. [PMID: 23053218 PMCID: PMC3495994 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-012-0311-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2012] [Accepted: 09/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although poor partner support is a key risk factor for depression in pregnant and postpartum women, partners are not generally involved in treatment beyond psychoeducation. The aim of this "proof of concept" study was to test safety, acceptability, and feasibility of Partner-Assisted Interpersonal Psychotherapy (PA-IPT), an intervention that includes the partner as an active participant throughout treatment. Women more than 12 weeks estimated gestational age and less than 12 weeks postpartum were invited to participate if they fulfilled DSM-IV criteria for Major Depressive Disorder and reported moderate symptom severity (HAM-D(17) ≥16). The open trial included eight acute-phase sessions and a 6-week follow-up assessment. Ten couples completed the acute phase treatment and nine presented for a 6-week follow-up assessment. There were no study-related adverse events, and no women had symptomatic worsening from intake to Session Eight. All partners attended all sessions, no couples dropped out of treatment, and all reported positive treatment satisfaction at the conclusion of the study. Nine of ten women (90 %) met the criteria for clinical response (HAM-D(17) = 9) at the conclusion of acute phase treatment, and eight of the nine (89 %) presenting at a 6-week follow-up assessment met criteria for symptomatic recovery. Incorporating partners in the treatment of major depressive disorders during the perinatal period is safe, acceptable, and feasible, but needs further testing in a larger population to evaluate efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna R. Brandon
- Department of Psychiatry, Women’s Mood Disorders Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA,Department of Psychiatry, 10616 Neurosciences Hospital, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Campus Box 7160, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7160, USA
| | - Nadia Ceccotti
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Linda S. Hynan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA,Department of Clinical Sciences, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Geetha Shivakumar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA,Dallas VA Medical, Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Neysa Johnson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Robin B. Jarrett
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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Scharfe E. Cause or Consequence?: Exploring Causal Links Between Attachment and Depression. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2007. [DOI: 10.1521/jscp.2007.26.9.1048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Beck CT. Theoretical perspectives of postpartum depression and their treatment implications. MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs 2002; 27:282-7. [PMID: 12209059 DOI: 10.1097/00005721-200209000-00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 13% of new mothers experience postpartum depression. This crippling mood disorder wreaks havoc not only on the mothers themselves but also on their entire families. Between 25% and 50% of mothers with postpartum depression have episodes lasting 6 months or longer. The most significant factor in the duration of the postpartum depression is the length of delay to adequate treatment. The purpose of this article is to describe five different theoretical perspectives of postpartum depression and the interventions for treatment derived from each: the medical model, feminist theory, attachment theory, interpersonal theory, and self-labeling theory. Crucial to clinicians' choice of treatment of postpartum depression is the theoretical lens they use to view this devastating mood disorder. Nursing implications derived from these theoretical perspectives are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl Tatano Beck
- University of Connecticut, School of Nursing, Storrs, CT 06269-6026, USA.
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