Bounty

Psychological support for mothers who have just given birth may help stop depression over the subsequent year, according to a report.

The study, which was carried out by researchers in the Leicester, Nottingham and Sheffield universities found that the reduction in the number of NHS health visitors was one of the main issues for the health and wellbeing of mothers.

The study also found that the future number of depressed women in the community - who were not depressed when they joined the research - had gone down significantly.

Professor Terry Brugha, University of Leicester Clinical Division of Psychiatry, Department of Health Sciences, said: "Up until now, it was thought that depression could only be treated when it is picked up by a GP or health visitor.

"But this study shows that women are less likely to become depressed in the year after childbirth if they are attended by an NHS health visitor who has undergone additional training in specific mental health assessment and in psychological approaches based on either cognitive behavioural or listening techniques.

"Women receiving usual care were significantly more likely to develop depression six months after childbirth.

"However, when the research team set out to repeat and develop further this research they were unable to make sufficient progress because in most parts of England there has been a substantial reduction in the number of health visitors funded by the NHS."