Pregnancy-related depression screening and services in pediatric primary care

Although pregnancy-related depression (PRD) is one of the most common postpartum conditions, fewer than half of all cases are diagnosed (Gaynes et al., 2005). PRD can adversely affect the mother-child relationship and increase risk for child mental health problems (NIMH, 2010). Well-child visits offer frequent and ongoing contact with the infant, mother, father and siblings. Pediatric clinicians are uniquely positioned to identify and coordinate clinical care of PRD (Feinberg et al., 2006). Gjerdingen and Yawn (2007) argued that, “for screening to positively impact clinical outcomes, it needs to be combined with systems-based enhanced depression care that provides accurate diagnoses, strong collaborative relationships between primary care and mental health providers” (pg. 280). This is of greatest importance with ethnic minorities and families of low socioeconomic status (SES), who face double stigma, higher rates of PRD and more barriers accessing mental health services (Corrigan, 2004).