Adi Rosenthal, Ph.D.

Fellow in Child & Adolescent Depression

Project Details

PROJECT SUMMARY

About 40% of pregnant teens experience postpartum depression. They are at higher risk than adults and their symptoms tend to last longer. Teens with postpartum depression are also more likely to die by suicide, drop out of school, and experience domestic violence and their infants are at higher risk for future behavioral and developmental challenges. To address this, the study will test the effectiveness of an existing program called “ROSE” (Reach Out, Stay Strong, Essentials for New Moms). The program has been shown to be effective for adult mothers but has never been studied in teens. In this project, ROSE will be to pregnant teens at Denver Health, a hospital serving low-income communities. The research will also gather feedback from teens to adjust the program for better results. The goal is to reduce PPD symptoms and improve care for teen mothers.