Could Texting Work As A Treatment Plan For Low-Income Mothers With Postpartum Depression?

Researchers at Saint Louis University (SLU) are helping low-income mothers who are struggling with postpartum depression look at alternative treatment methods.

New findings published in JMIR Mental Health show that text messages could help some as a coping strategy for certain issues.

Researchers looked at different backgrounds of mothers coming from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds dealing with postpartum depression in order to better gauge their perception when receiving text messages that could alleviate symptoms.

Mothers in the study received supportive text messages four times a week over a six month period in addition to traditional counseling services in an academic pediatric office. At the end of the study period, a total of 4,158 text messages were delivered to 54 mothers.

Mothers in the city who spoke English were asked to join the study who scored above 10 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) by members of the research team. Between December 2012 and June 2014, screenings for postpartum depression occurred as a standard practice for all mothers coming into Cardinal Glennon for a well-child visit for an infant between seven days and six months old.

Each participant received the same, non-randomized message script without repeat over the six-month time frame. The messages were developed by members of the project team. Some of the messages allowed for a yes/no response in regards to whether the mother would like a follow-up phone call. The messages ranged from informational ("Having a routine is comforting for babies.") to motivational and reflective

"Moms that are well from a mental health perspective have children with better developmental outcomes," researchers concluded, in a news release. "If we can provide more support and services for the high-risk mothers we serve, we will be able to create a greater positive impact for their children."