Screening for Postpartum Depression: A Guideline-Based Discussion

Host: Matt Birnholz, MD

Guest: Jennifer L. Payne, MD

Guest: Melissa Simon, MD

Postpartum depression is a serious medical condition that is among the most common complications during and after pregnancy; however, it is often underdiagnosed.1-4 To learn more about screening patients for postpartum depression, Dr. Matt Birnholz speaks with Dr. Jennifer Payne and Dr. Melissa Simon about screening strategies, the impact of health inequities, and the latest medical guidelines regarding the importance of early screening for postpartum depression.

Dr. Payne is a Professor of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences as well as Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Virginia, and Dr. Simon is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

References

1. American Psychiatric Association. Depressive disorders. In: American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-5™. 5th ed. American Psychiatric Publishing; 2013:155-188.
2. Bauman BL, Ko JY, Cox S, et al. Vital Signs: Postpartum Depressive Symptoms and Provider Discussions About Perinatal Depression - United States, 2018. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2020;69(19):575-581.
3. Cox EQ, Sowa NA, Meltzer-Brody SE, Gaynes BN. The Perinatal Depression Treatment Cascade: Baby Steps Toward Improving Outcomes. J Clin Psychiatry. 2016;77(9):1189-1200.
4. Thompson KS, Fox JE. Post-partum depression: a comprehensive approach to evaluation and treatment. Ment Health Fam Med. 2010;7(4):249-257. …