Recent Policy Changes in Perinatal Depression Screening and Treatment

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 organizations and 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.