Outpatient psychotherapy for mothers--a new treatment

Arch Womens Ment Health. 2003 Feb;6(1):65-9. doi: 10.1007/s00737-002-0157-z.

Abstract

The perinatal period and new motherhood entail a multitude of physiologic and psychosocial changes and are also associated with an increased risk of mental illness. Nevertheless, many mothers with an acute postpartum mental illness reject hospitalization to avoid being separated from their children even when treatment is urgently needed. A new psychotherapeutic outpatient treatment program adapted to the special needs of mothers and offering a substitute to inpatient treatment is presented. Empirical results indicate that this treatment is an effective alternative to hospitalization.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ambulatory Care / methods*
  • Anxiety Disorders / diagnosis
  • Anxiety Disorders / psychology
  • Anxiety Disorders / therapy*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods*
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / psychology
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mothers / psychology*
  • Neurotic Disorders / diagnosis
  • Neurotic Disorders / psychology
  • Neurotic Disorders / therapy*
  • Psychotherapy, Group / methods*
  • Severity of Illness Index