Depression Risk for Sole Mothers

Monday 20 March 2006

Researchers from the University of Newcastle have found that young sole mothers are more likely than other women to experience suicidal thoughts.

"Young and mid-aged sole mothers are more likely than other women their age to take medication for depression," says Dr Deborah Loxton.

The findings come from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, widely known as Women's Health Australia, which is being conducted jointly by researchers at the Universities of Newcastle and Queensland.

The results of the study have been published in the latest edition of the Medical Journal of Australia.

For more information or to organise interviews with Dr Deborah Loxton, contact Kate Reid on (02) 4921 5351.