NZ has high rate of post-natal depression

There is alarming new research showing New Zealand has one of the highest rates of post-natal depression in the world.

Nearly a third of all kiwi mothers suffer the baby blues, according to a study carried out at Auckland University.

Primary Health Organisation ProCare's clinical director David Codyre says it calls for immediate action. He says simply diagnosing women is not enough, and it would be appropriate to have routine screening of new mothers. He says if it is not identified and treated it can have serious consequences for their childrens' intellectual development.

But David Codyre says many kiwis would struggle to afford seeing their GP more regularly to help bring their depression under control.

- NEWSTALK ZB