Head Start-Based Problem Solving Program Helped Prevent Maternal Depression

Mothers at-risk for depression who completed a six-to-eight week problem-solving education program delivered at Head Start sites had lower incidence of subsequent worsening depression symptoms over the next 12 months than mothers who received usual Head Start follow-up with a case worker. Each of the mothers had a child attending Head Start. Among those who completed the problem-solving sessions, during the 12-month follow-up 24.5% met criteria for a major depressive episode, compared to 29.1% of those who received usual Head Start services. During the final 12-month follow-up, 5 . . .