National Task Force Says Pregnant and Postpartum Women Should Be Screened for Depression
Many insurance plans will be required to cover perinatal depression screening
The United States Preventative Services Task Force recommended depression screening for pregnant and postpartum women in the Journal of the American Medical Association today. The task force is an independent, volunteer panel of experts in preventative health who advise the government and public health community on clinical action to prevent illness.
The study reviewed the existing medical literature on the benefits and risks of depression screening in pregnant and postpartum women concluding that, “evidence suggested that programs to screen pregnant and postpartum women, with or without additional treatment-related supports, reduced the prevalence of depression and increased remission or treatment response.”
This is a significant finding given the current debate in the medical community about whether screening for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders actually reduces their prevalence. The study looked only at screening programs that utilized the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, a 10-question screening tool that has been shown to be effective in identifying perinatal depression, and primarily focused on programs that did include treatment protocols or counseling with “specially trained clinicians.”
The only risk identified by the task force was the potential that use of antidepressant medication during pregnancy can present a small risk to a developing embryo or fetus, but concluded that “the absolute risk of harm appeared to be small,” and that cognitive behavioral therapy was an effective treatment alternative.
Not only do the panel’s recommendations carry tremendous weight in the medical and health policy communities, but the panel gave the recommendation for perinatal depression screening their second to highest rating (a “B”), which means that screening must be covered under the Affordable Care Act.
Seleni is one of only a few organizations in the United States offering specialized training in treating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), and it's the only training that includes in-depth instruction on treating perinatal loss.
At the Seleni Institute, we focus on destigmatizing mental illness. And, because 90% of those who die by suicide have a mental illness that has not been diagnosed or that has not been adequately treated, it is imperative that we understand and support all, including mothers, who are suffering with suicidal ideation.
Building bridges with others can be transformative and restorative and can remind a new mother that she is not alone. And, these affective connections can strengthen her understanding that she can be cherished, loved, and soothed and, therefore, that she can cherish, love, and soothe.
Pediatricians are in a powerful position to strengthen the mental health of the whole family.
Novel medication could provide faster – and better – relief than antidepressants
Professional treatment helps and women should be supported in seeking it
Many insurance plans will be required to cover perinatal depression screening
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