Barriers to Depression Treatment in Low-Income, Unmarried, Adolescent Mothers in a Southern, Urban Area of the United States

Abstract

This study explored barriers to depression treatment in low-income, unmarried, adolescent mothers in a southern, urban area of the United States. The authors utilized a phenomenological approach and focus group methodology. Participants (n = 9) were enrolled in a teen parent program, an option of the public school system. The metaphor of a merry-go-round emerged from the data and represented the ups and downs that the adolescent mothers experience as they struggle to adjust to the role of mother. Their knowledge of postpartum depression and depression treatment occurred in the context of their demographics and their desire to create a family for their baby, their fears, and surprise at the reality of mothering. Childbirth education for adolescent mothers should include information on depression and the process of depression treatment.

Postpartum Depression Among Adolescent Mothers: A Comprehensive Review of Prevalence, Course, Correlates, Consequences, and Interventions

“…The low rate of treatment seeking in this study was consistent with results from an earlier study by Logsdon, Hines‐Martin, and Rakestraw (). In a focus group with nine adolescent mothers, only one participant reported that she would see a counselor, if talking with her boyfriend did not help (Logsdon et al., ).…”

“…In a focus group with nine adolescent mothers, only one participant reported that she would see a counselor, if talking with her boyfriend did not help (Logsdon et al., ). Other participants reported that they would seek help from their support group, pray or go to church, write feelings down, play with the baby, and sleep (Logsdon et al., ).…”

Serotonin reuptake inhibitors and breastfeeding: a systematic review

“…The prevalence rate of a major depressive episode in the puerperium ranges from 12% to 16% (Viguera et al, 2011;Elisei et al, 2013); this prevalence rises to 26% among young unmarried mothers (Logsdon et al, 2009;Venkatesh et al, 2014). Approximately, from 5% to 20% of nursing women develop postpartum depression (PPD) within the first 6 months after delivery (O'Hara and McCabe, 2013;Wynter et al, 2013).…”

Adapting and testing telephone-based depression care management intervention for adolescent mothers

“…Of particular concern, by 12 months postpartum no adolescent mothers had pursued referrals for mental health evaluation and treatment (Logsdon, 2008). Barriers to mental health treatment for adolescent mothers include personal barriers (e.g., lack of knowledge of depressive symptoms and depression treatment, life challenges that interfere with attention to mental illness; Logsdon, Hines-Martin & Rakestraw, 2009) and health service barriers (e.g., provider requirement that parental permission and presence is needed before treatment; lack of insurance coverage; National Academy of Sciences, 2008; MBaye & Logsdon, 2005). The intention to seek mental health treatment in adolescent mothers has been predicted by subjective norms, such as a personal experience with mental health treatment, mother’s history of depression and depression treatment, and family facilitation of treatment (Logsdon, Usui, Pinto Foltz & Rakestraw, 2009).…”