Perinatal Depression in Primary Care

The Condition…

1 in 5 women are affected by perinatal depression which too often goes unrecognized and untreated (Center for Disease Control, 2018). The condition is associated with increased risk of poor prenatal care, maternal substance use, suicide, and multiple poor obstetric outcomes including preterm birth and operative deliveries (Grigoriadis, 2013; Şahingöz 2014). Additionally, there are associated long-term impacts on children including parenting difficulties, impaired attachment/bonding, and poorer child functioning at school and at home (Avan, 2010; Field, 2011; Lodgson, 2006).

DocAssist can help…

Primary Care Providers who care for women in the perinatal period and their children, can find hope and comfort in knowing that when perinatal depression is detected and adequately treated, the outcomes are lasting and positive (Pilowsky, 2008; Venkatesh, 2016). But where to begin as a busy clinician who is often pulled in many directions? Illinois DocAssist has expert answers for you. Our psychiatric consultants are available to guide you in screening, diagnosing and treating women in the perinatal period. Perinatal and pediatric consultation services are always free to healthcare providers in Illinois and we can be reached Monday through Friday 9am-5pm at 866-986-(ASST) 2778. Additionally, Illinois DocAssist offers many perinatal mental health online resources at your fingertips which complement our psychiatric consultation services.

Perinatal Depression Information and Resources: Learn about the prevalence and impact of perinatal depression as well as effective identification and treatment options.
Perinatal Depression Screening Tools: Accessible, free and printable screening tools which are convenient to use in your practice.
Medication Charts: Free, downloadable medication charts to help guide clinical decision making including Perinatal Antidepressant Algorithm and Antidepressants During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding.
Resources for your patients: Supportive services, free apps, crisis lines and treatment resources to provide to families impacted by perinatal depression:
Webinar on Perinatal Depression for the Primary Care Provider: Free CME eligible webinar in which you will learn skills in identifying and treating perinatal depression.

REFERENCES:

Field T. Prenatal depression effects on early development: a review. Infant Behav Dev (2011) 34(1):1–14.10.1016/j.infbeh.2010.09.008

Grigoriadis S, VonderPorten EH, Mamisashvili L, et al. The impact of maternal depression during pregnancy on perinatal outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Psychiatry 2013; 74:e321.

Logsdon MC, Wisner K, Billings DM, Shanahan B. Raising the awareness of primary care providers about postpartum depression. Issues Ment Health Nurs. 2006;27(1):59–73. doi: 10.1080/01612840500312860. [PubMed]

Pilowsky DJ, Wickramaratne P, Talati A, Tang M, Hughes CW, Garber J, et al. Children of depressed mothers 1 year after the initiation of maternal treatment: findings from the STAR*D-Child Study. Am J Psychiatry (2008) 165(9):1136–47.10.1176/appi.ajp.2008.07081286
Şahingöz M, Yuksel G, Karsidag C, et al. Birth weight and preterm birth in babies of pregnant women with major depression in relation to treatment with antidepressants. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2014; 34:226.

Venkatesh KK, Riley L, Castro VM, et al. Association of Antenatal Depression Symptoms and Antidepressant Treatment With Preterm Birth. Obstet Gynecol 2016; 127:926.

Perinatal Depression in Primary Care

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