According to a study just released by the American Psychological Association, the Wall Street downturn has begun to impact the health of Americans. As reported by USA Today, "Finances now overshadow the more typical daily stressors of work and relationships; 46% report being worried about providing for their family’s basic needs." What’s worse, the poll finds that women are more significantly impacted than men.

We already know that financial troubles are a risk factor for antepartum and postpartum depression and anxiety. So one has to wonder, given the current economic turmoil, whether we will see an uptick in the number of women with these illnesses. I imagine that we might, and it would be good for healthcare providers to be aware of this.