Thursday, December 2, 2010

Bill To Study Causes, Treatment Of Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression
The House Energy and Commerce Committee on Thursday approved by voice vote a bill (HR 20)that would authorize $3 million in grants in fiscal year 2008 to studythe causes and treatments of postpartum depression and postpartumpsychosis, CQ HealthBeat reports (Armstrong, CQ HealthBeat, 9/27).
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.), also would provide grants through HHSfor the "establishment, operation and coordination of effective andcost-efficient systems for the delivery of essential services" forwomen with the conditions and their families. The measure initiallywould have directed NIHto conduct research on postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis,but a House subcommittee in July approved an amendment that changed"directed" to "encouraged." The bill would authorize "such sums asnecessary" to continue the research for FY 2009 and FY 2010 (Kaiser Daily Women’s Health Policy Report, 7/20).
According to a CDC study, about 18% of women experience depression after giving birth. No amendments were offered on the bill, CQ HealthBeat reports (CQ HealthBeat, 9/27).
Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork.org. You can view theentire Kaiser DailyWomen’s Health Policy Report, search the archives, and sign up for emaildelivery at kaisernetwork.org/email. The Kaiser Daily Women’s Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork.org, afree service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. 2007 Advisory BoardCompany and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.

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