Postpartum depression treatment offered

As part of a Medical School study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, treatment for postpartum depression is now being offered at no cost to qualifying mothers.

The study compares two 15-week treatments for mothers age 18 and older who are depressed and who have babies less than 7 months old. One treatment is a group therapy model for mothers and their infants, being seen independently and together. The other treatment is individual interpersonal therapy.

“We are committed to treating the relationships, not only the depression,” says Roseanne Clark, study director and associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry.

Research has shown that untreated postpartum depression may last six months or longer, and can occur anytime during the first year after childbirth, though most symptoms begin in the first few months.

Some symptoms include a depressed or tearful mood, loss of interest in enjoyable activities, feelings of guilt or hopelessness, appetite or sleep problems, lack of energy, decreased concentration or inability to make decisions. In addition to these depressive symptoms, many women also report feeling overwhelmed and irritable.

For information, contact Kathleen Hipke, program coordinator, 263-5000.