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Pallone Joins NJ First Lady to Highlight Need for Both Research & Services to Fight Postpartum Depression

May 5, 2005

"I am pleased to be here this morning in support of my colleague Bobby Rush's efforts to address postpartum depression. As an original cosponsor of his legislation, H.R. 1940, I wholeheartedly agree that appropriate research and attention be devoted to this issue. As a senior Member of the HouseEnergy and Commerce Committee, I plan on working with Congressman Rush to move this bill forward and to see it signed into law by the President.

"I'm particularly grateful to New Jersey's First Lady Mary Jo Codey for her leadership on mental health issues. Mrs. Codey has been a successful advocate on behalf of those who suffer from mental illness in New Jersey. Her personal dedication to bringing light to these conditions, which are often overlooked and misinterpreted, has been tremendous.

"We know that postpartum depression is a devastating mood disorder ranging from 'the baby blues' to full-blown postpartum psychosis. Postpartum conditions strike many women during and after pregnancy. It is estimated that 400,000 women currently suffer from postpartum mood changes, with baby blues afflicting up to 80 percent of new mothers. Beyond the baby blues, postpartum mood and anxiety disorders impair around 10 to 20 percent of new mothers and postpartum psychosis strikes 1 in 1,000 new mothers.

"The causes of postpartum depression are complex and unknown at this time. However, if diagnosed properly and treated with social support, therapy and medication, relief is highly attainable. All too often, postpartum depression goes undiagnosed, because providers are not trained to detect the symptoms, or the condition goes untreated due to social stigma or embarrassment.

"H.R. 1940 is groundbreaking and relevant because it expands the role of the National Institute of Mental Health in intensifying research and identifying causes of postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis, with the goal of one day finding a cure. The legislation also addresses the needs of women currently affected by postpartum depression by establishing a grant program through the Department of Health and Human Services to provide essential services to women affected by postpartum depression and their families."