Post partum depression is often underdiagnosed. New mothers don’t seek help for a variety of reasons or fail to notice the symptoms of PPD. Health care providers have limited contact and women often put on a brave face, which prevents diagnosis in some cases. Researchers in England may have discovered the key to better diagnosis for women.
Studies conducted in England involved training health visitors to recognize the signs and symptoms of post partum depression. The study looked at over 4,000 new mothers in England. The mothers were identified by the health care visitors.
The women were divided into two groups: one group would have intervention with the health visitor and the other group would not. Of the group that would have the health visitor, the women were evaluated for symptoms of PPD and the women were divided into groups, using two different psychological therapy approaches in sessions with the health visitor.
The new mothers were visited weekly by the health visitor. Sessions lasted one hour and continued for two months. The mothers answered surveys prior to participation and periodically for eighteen months. The surveys contained questions about depressive symptoms.
The women visited and treated by the health visitors had a greater overall reduction in symptoms of post partum depression at both six months and one year after the birth of their babies. This was the case regardless of the type of therapy used.
The difference was the individual support. Additional studies in Canada and Europe have also found peer counseling and health visitors are effective for identifying and treating PPD. Researchers hope the information learned in the study can be implemented to help identify women with PPD earlier and offer effective treatment.
Educating women about the symptoms of post partum depression and treatment methods available is an important step in getting women the help they need. Involving a wider range of health professionals is an effective way to reach out to more women.
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