While many women are at risk for postpartum depression, we continue to struggle in providing adequate support and care to women in this setting, especially socioeconomically disadvantaged women.  

In a randomized clinical trial including 230 Head Start mothers, those receiving problem-solving education (PSE) were 60% less likely to develop postpartum depression than those receiving standard care.  One of the most exciting aspects of these findings is the simplicity of this intervention; problem-solving sessions lasting 30 to 60 minutes were conducted as home visits or in Head Start centers for 6 to 8 weeks by nonlicensed, community care–based providers.

Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD

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Novel Approach Prevents Depression in High-Risk Mothers (Medscape – free subscription)

Silverstein M, Diaz-Linhart Y, Cabral H, Beardslee W, Hegel M, Haile W, Sander J, Patts G, Feinberg E.  Efficacy of a Maternal Depression Prevention Strategy in Head Start: A Randomized Clinical Trial.  JAMA Psychiatry. 2017 Jun 14.