Unmasking Potential Impacts of Parent and Coparent ADHD on Mental Health in the First Year Postpartum

OBJECTIVE: Parental mental health plays a critical role in the wellbeing of the family, yet few studies have examined how parental ADHD affects postpartum depression and anxiety. This study investigates the hypothesis that parent (including coparent) ADHD symptoms are associated with postpartum depressive and anxiety symptoms. METHODS: 117 mother-father dyads (half with parental ADHD) were recruited when their infants were 6 to 10 months old. Participants completed questionnaires on ADHD, depression, anxiety, and social support. Clinician-administered semi-structured interviews assessed ADHD symptoms and psychiatric histories. RESULTS: < .05). CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that parental ADHD - in either parent - contributes to postpartum psychological distress. Screening and treatment of ADHD in new parents may reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms for those showing ADHD symptoms and their coparents, supporting the mental health outcomes of the whole family.