The Perinatal and Infant Mental Health unit will address the context within which mental illness occurs in the perinatal period. Students will develop an understanding of perinatal anxiety, depression and serious mental illness and the negative impact these disorders may have in terms of obstetric and neonatal outcomes, and later childhood emotional, behavioural and cognitive development, including  the potent influence of mental health problems and psychosocial adversity on parenting and mother (parent)-infant interaction and later child outcomes.  Students will develop an understanding of the importance of early attachment and psychological development, neuropsychological and neurological development in infancy. This unit will provide students with knowledge and skills in early detection of mental health disorders, and an understanding of care and support required by women and their families affected by mental illness in the perinatal period.  Students will explore appropriate pathways and treatment options for women and their families experiencing mental illness during the perinatal period.