Postpartum Depression Screening
As part of our comprehensive care for children, we screen moms for postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is one of the most common maternal complications, affecting up to 10-20% of women. Over 400,000 infants are born every year to a mother who has or will have depression. It can have tremendous effects on the health and well-being of both mothers and infants, and the whole family as well. It can also pose a danger to the health and life of both mothers and infants.
Mothers have few visits with obstetricians after delivery, typically at 6 weeks and possibly a visit after 6 weeks. There are no published recommendations for OB-GYN screening. Depression can develop anytime in the first 6 months (or more). On the other hand, pediatricians typically see infants at a minimum of 5 times between birth and 6 months of age for preventive well-child care. The best opportunity to screen mothers for postpartum depression is in the pediatric office, though everyone who interacts with postpartum families should be aware of the condition, its signs and symptoms, and where a mother can get help.
In 2010, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) first formally recommended pediatric screening for maternal postpartum depression. It is currently recommended at the 1, 2, 4, and 6 month well visits.
References
ACOG recommends screening during perinatal period for increased risk of depression during or after pregnancy (2015). https://www.acog.org/Resources-And-Publications/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Obstetric-Practice/Screening-for-Perinatal-Depression
2016 USPSTF recommends screening for depression in all adults and specifically recommends screening for postpartum depression
Siu AL; US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for depression in adults: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA. 2016;315(4):380-387
http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2484345
Earls MF; American Academy of Pediatrics Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health. Incorporating recognition and management of perinatal and postpartum depression into pediatric practice. Pediatrics. 2010;126(5):1032-1039
Hagan JF, Shaw JS, Duncan PM, eds. Bright Futures: Guidelines for Health Supervision of Infants, Children, and Adolescents, 4th ed. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics, 2017.