Families at risk as women suffer in silence with postnatal depression

Research by charity 4Children found that half of women suffering from postnatal depression (PND) did not seek any professional treatment for the condition, which can have devastating effects on families.

Their report also raises concerns that some women may not be getting the help they need from the NHS, delaying their recovery.

The charity said there was a “postcode lottery” in the availability of in-patient care for mothers suffering from severe depression across the UK, including an under-provision of mother and baby units in large parts of Scotland.

They warned that untreated maternal depression had a devastating toll on families, leading to relationship difficulties, pressure on older siblings to step in to look after babies, and children living with the long-term consequences of poor early bonding with their mother.

Around one in ten new mothers are estimated to suffer from PND. But a survey of 2,000 women across the UK conducted for 4Children found that 49 per cent with the condition had not sought professional help.

With 58,792 births registered in Scotland last year, this could amount to almost 3,000 women not seeking help.

The survey found that almost a third (29 per cent) of women had not realised they were suffering from PND, while 60 per cent did not think their symptoms were serious enough to require treatment.

Worryingly, 33 per cent said they were too scared to tell anyone because they were afraid of what might happen to themselves or their child.

The research also found women with PND wanted more support, with 65 per cent wanting more information on support groups, 52 per cent asking for information on counselling and other talking therapies and 46 per cent not satisfied with the information they received about the symptoms of postnatal depression.

Talking therapies are recommended for women with mild to moderate PND. But the survey found that 70 per cent of women who went to their doctor with the condition were prescribed antidepressants, against 41 per cent referred to talking therapies.

Anne Longfield, chief executive of 4Children, said: “Postnatal depression is a problem that with the right help, early on, can be treated successfully, avoiding long-term impact on the rest of the family.”

Ms Longfield said guidance on treating PND was readily available. But she added: “All too often there is a shocking lack of awareness. So many women have to rely on luck to come across a sympathetic GP or health visitor who will lead them to the right course of treatment.”

Sue Macdonald, education and research manager at the Royal College of Midwives, said: “The need to prepare women and their families for the possibility that they may experience postnatal depression, and developing strategies for dealing with this is really important.”

She said midwives and health visitors were the key people to provide information and support on the issue to women.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “All midwives and health visitors in Scotland are trained to recognise postnatal depression and the importance of early detection and treatment.

“Health visitors are in a unique position to provide support to all mothers.”