PRIME: Perinatal mental health & parenting
PRIME wants to improve care for new parents experiencing mental health difficulties and their families. This may include a range of experiences and diagnoses, such as postnatal depression, postpartum psychosis and distress during and after pregnancy. Their work supports parents to grow in skill and confidence and supports the science behind parenting programmes.
Unit Director: Dr Anja Wittkowski
Clinical Senior Lecturer, Psychology & Mental Health, University of Manchester
About PRIME
Having a baby can make parents feel a range of emotions that may be overwhelming and challenging to cope with.
The Perinatal Mental Health and Parenting Research Unit (PRIME-RU) wants to improve outcomes for parents experiencing mental health difficulties, and their familie and/or from disadvantaged backgrounds.
These difficulties may include a range of experiences and diagnoses, for example (but not limited to) postnatal depression, postpartum psychosis, and distress during and after pregnancy.
We undertake research into psychological and parenting interventions (treatments), bonding/attachment and family-focused practice.
We are the leading centre for perinatal mental health and parenting research across relevant NHS and local authority settings.
PRIME-RU is part of Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) and is a unique collaboration with the University of Manchester. The primary team includes:
- Dr Anja Wittkowski (Unit Director; Clinical Senior Lecturer, and Clinical Psychologist),
- Dr Lynsey Gregg (Co-Director; Senior Lecturer in Clinical and Health Psychology)
- Dr Ming Wai Wan (Co-Director; Lecturer in Developmental Psychology)
- Dr Debbie Smith (Co-Director; Senior Lecturer in Health Psychology)
- Dr Henna Lemetyinen (Research Associate)
- Dr Holly Reid (Research Associate)
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