Certain groups of women may be at increased risk of developing post partum depression after the birth of their babies. Recent studies have shown a higher rate of post partum depression among African American and low income women.
A study at the University of Iowa included over 4,000 women, all of whom had a baby in the previous four months. When race was compared, researchers found the incidence of post partum depression was higher among African American mothers compared to Caucasian mothers. The study found that Latina mothers had a lower rate of post partum depression than either African American or Caucasian mothers.
Socioeconomic status was a factor in the incidence of post partum depression. This factor seems to be even more significant than race in raising the risk for post partum depression. When income was considered, low income women were significantly more likely to experience depression after the birth of a baby.
Of study participants with a household income of less than $20,000, approximately 40 percent suffered from post partum depression. Only 13 percent of women with a household income above $80,000 per year suffered from clinical depression.
The financial stress, worries about bills and substandard living conditions were thought to be contributing factors to the depression. The birth of a new baby and added stress of a newborn in the home combined with the other stress and financial worries result in a higher rate of post partum depression.
Researchers hope this information will help identify cases of post partum depression in mothers at risk sooner. Increased screening will result in depression being identified sooner, which will result in earlier treatment.
Treatment for post partum depression is essential in helping mothers feel better and be able to care for themselves and their babies properly. How the condition is treated will depend on the severity. A combination of anti depressants and talk therapy is thought to produce the best results for post partum depression.
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