Recent Policy Changes in Perinatal Depression Screening and Treatment

Publication Date

February 2018

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

The Journal for Nurse Practitioners

Volume

14

Issue

2

DOI

10.1016/j.nurpra.2017.11.016

First Page

117

Last Page

123

Abstract

Perinatal depression affects approximately 15%–20% of women who give birth, making it the most common postpartum complication. Symptoms may occur during pregnancy or the first year after childbirth. Untreated perinatal depression may have long-term effects on the mental and physical well-being of the woman, infant, and family. Early identification through screening and prompt treatment promotes optimal outcomes. Professional organizationsand government agencies that provide services to women and children have created new policies on perinatal depression screening and treatment. The authors describe these policy changes and offer simple guidelines for implementing them into clinical settings.

Keywords

depression, mental health, perinatal, policy, screening

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