Study into depression in pregnancy conducted

Kintampo (B/A), Dec. 11, GNA - A study into the occurrence of depression among pregnant women, known as postpartum depression, has been carried out in the Brong-Ahafo Region. About 200 women were recruited for the study between 2005 and 2006, and statistics indicate that out of this number, 12 to 15 percent were found to be afflicted with post-partum depression. It is a form of mental condition brought on by pregnancy and childbirth.

Mr Bright Akpalu, a Clinical Psychologist at the Kintampo Health Research Centre (KHRC), told journalists from the African Media and Malaria Research Network on a visit to the centre, that the condition was worrying since some mothers suffering from that condition did not take care of their babies, eat and sleep well and, in extreme cases, could become suicidal.

He said data collected from the study had been analysed and the findings sent to the Kintampo South and Kintampo North districts health management teams.

Mr Akpalu said the KHRC has also concluded a research into dementia, another mental health condition among those aged 65 and above in the Kintampo area.

He said the study covered some 400 aged people and out of that number the dementia prevalence rate was between three and six percent, which is on the high side because the global rate was lower. Mr Akpalu said dementia should not be seen as part of the aging process but as a mental condition, which should be treated through psychosocial support and other means. He said memory loss, especially of more recent events, poor concentration and difficulty finding one's way around are among symptoms of dementia.

He said the condition had got to do with the loss of brain cells, which are not replaceable. Mr Akpalu said the loss of large numbers of such cells leads to dementia. He said fortunately there were about six billion brain cells but some individuals, as compared to others, lose huge numbers of such cells resulting in the mental condition. He said the analysis of the data had been circulated and the Health Research Unit of the Ghana Health Service had reports from the study. 11 Dec. 07