Perinatal Depression

In the past, physicians have been reluctant to screen their patients for perinatal mood disorders because they did not have a simple and effective screening tool and they did not have a ready resource list to refer patients for further assessment and treatment. But many women who suffer from depression and anxiety during pregnancy or postpartum do not seek help because they are ashamed that they are not “appropriately” happy, or they think they can just shake it off. A few simple questions from a health care provider can open the door to identification and treatment of clinical depression.The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a simple, ten-question self report that has proven effective in identifying perinatal mood disorders. If a patient scores above the indicated threshold, consider a referral to one of these mental health providers.

The New York State Department of Health has extensive information, resources and links. Here is a downloadable fact sheet on perinatal mood disorders.