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Pediatricians encouraged to screen new mothers for depression
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Nov. 8, 2010
Screening new mothers for perinatal and postpartum depression could help prevent developmental and mental health problems in children, according to a new American Academy of Pediatrics clinical report.
The report, published online Oct. 25 in Pediatrics, recommends that pediatricians hold at least one prenatal visit to identify signs of depression in a pregnant woman. After the baby's birth, physicians should screen mothers periodically when they bring their children for medical visits (link).
The AAP does not specify how long screening should continue, but says it should occur for at least the first six months after the child's birth. The academy suggests that pediatricians use the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale or the general two-question screen for depression. When an issue is identified, pediatricians can refer the woman to her obstetrician, primary care physician or to a mental health professional, the AAP said. In milder cases, pediatricians can educate mothers on postpartum depression.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/11/08/prbf1108.htm.
