The media has picked up on two research papers and a linked editorial, published this week, which address postnatal depression and how it can be treated without taking antidepressants. The studies show that the support of health visitors and other women who have experienced postnatal depression can help new mothers deal effectively with the condition.

As part of NHS care new mothers are routinely visited by healthcare visitors who are specially trained nurses. One of the papers examined the effect that consultations with healthcare visitors who received additional training had on women with postnatal depression compared with usual care. Women who were identified as having postnatal depression were randomly allocated to either usual healthcare visits, or visits from healthcare visitors with special training to deliver psychologically informed sessions. The women’s progress was followed up at six and 12 months postnatally. The researchers found that the women who received visits from specially trained healthcare visitors were less likely to feel depressed six and 12 months after giving birth. The trial provides strong evidence that healthcare visitors can be trained to recognise depression and provide effective treatment.

The second paper examined the effect of peer support on the prevention of postnatal depression among high risk women. Women identified as being at high risk of postnatal depression were randomly allocated to usual postnatal care or they were provided with support from a volunteer who had postnatal depression herself. Of those who received the support of a peer, 80% were satisfied with their experience and would recommend it to a friend.

BMJ in the news:

• Drug-free help for postnatal depression – guardian.co.uk
• Aid for postnatal depression – NHS Choices
• Mums psychological support can help mums beat baby blues – Thaindian.com
• Newborn Screening Test Could Increase Early Detection Of Heart – Science Daily – USA
• Heart test aids newborn babies – BBC News
• Early bad behaviour predicts troubled path, according to study – PhysOrg.com – USA
• Presumed consent for organ donation could increase transplants by – Telegraph.co.uk
• Presumed consent could increase donor rates – InTheNews.co.uk
• Telephone Follow-Up Preferred Among Breast Cancer Patients – Insidermedicine – Canada
• Nurses who breathe in cleaning chemicals are more likely to get asthma – Telegraph.co.uk
• Surgery could help sufferers of chronic reflux – Media Newswire – New York

BMJ in blogs:

• Postnatal depression can be effectively treated and possibly …
• Mat Anderson: Communicate openly about important issues – Joplin Globe – USA
• malcolmbale.com » Discipline and Respect Through …
• About Health – Heart test aids newborn babies | ExFn.com Daily …
• The Leading Source – American School Board Journal’s Weblog
• Teenage bad behaviour is sign of troubled adult life: study …
• Higher mortality among unscreened children

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Juliet Walker is the Editorial Intern, BMJ