Adolescent Substance Abuse Articles
Depression can come between new mothers and their babies
By Staff Writer
A mother's response to her baby's crying can have an affect on the child's development. However, a new study on how depressed women respond to their baby's crying has revealed that new mothers suffering from the mood disorder might be more disengaged when their offspring is in need of comfort.
The new research, which appears in the journal Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, analyzed the brain scans of 22 women suffering from depression. The researchers behind the study used a non-invasive method to measure blood flow changes and collect detailed information on the participants' brain activity.
Depressed mothers displayed no unique responses to their babies' cries. Participants that did not suffer from the mood disorder displayed stronger brain activity and a more robust response.
In addition, when nondepressed mothers heard their babies' cries, they showed a positive response and the need to approach their infants, while the women suffering from depression did not.
What these findings reveal is that depression can have long-term effects on the relationship between a mother and her child. In addition, these results may have an impact on the depression treatment women can receive from mental health and drug rehab facilities.
