Nicholson Joanne, Henry Alexis D
Center for Mental Health Services Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester 01655, USA.
Psychiatr Rehabil J. 2003 Fall;27(2):122-30. doi: 10.2975/27.2003.122.130.
There is a growing commitment to evidence-based practices in mental health. There is no well-articulated evidence base for interventions for mothers with mental illnesses. Parenthood is common among women with mental illnesses. Women themselves report motherhood is an important role. The risks of parental mental illness to children have been demonstrated; the challenges that motherhood brings to people with mental illnesses have been described. Because outcomes for both children and adults are multiply determined, there are many intervention opportunities. Recommendations for intervention are drawn from a focus group study and from the existing literature on parent training and support, exemplary programs for mothers with mental illnesses, and other evidence-based psychosocial interventions. The value of a psychiatric rehabilitation approach is highlighted. Challenges in documenting and testing interventions for mothers with mental illness include resource allocation and research innovation.
