Oral

This session addresses the mental health needs of mothers and associated needs of their families, including maternal depression, child healthcare use, and the social construction of motherhood in the context of mental health needs.

Session Objectives: Assess the public health implications of maternal depression and family and child functioning. Identify predictors of postpartum depression in physically abused women Compare the pediatric health care use of mothers with and without a serious mental illness (psychotic disorders). Identify ways to target improved compliance with recommended pediatric health care. Identify opportunities to develop more relevant mental health interventions based on the lived experiences and unmet needs of mothers with mental health needs as a priority population in public health.