Introduction to Perinatal Mood Disorders 2025 Posting

Perinatal Depression Overview

• Definition and Context

  • Perinatal depression refers to depression occurring during pregnancy or in the postpartum period.

  • Common, yet often underdiagnosed and undertreated.

Importance of Nurses in Identifying Perinatal Depression

• Nurses play a crucial role in identifying depression through:

  • Prenatal visits.

  • Postpartum checks.

  • Well baby visits.

• Nurses are trusted and accessible healthcare professionals.

Prevalence of Perinatal Depression

• 19% of mothers report depression through self-report tools.

• 17% diagnosed through interviews.

• 8.75% prevalence in fathers during the postpartum year.

• Data cited from Shorey et al. (2018) and Rao et al. (2020).

Diagnostic Criteria for Major Depression

• At least 5 of the following symptoms for 2 weeks:

  • Depressed mood.

  • Appetite changes.

  • Insomnia or hypersomnia.

  • Low energy.

  • Loss of interest.

  • Feelings of worthlessness.

  • Concentration difficulties.

  • Suicidal thoughts.

• Symptoms must impair functioning.

Societal Burden of Perinatal Depression

• Leading cause of non-obstetric hospitalizations in women aged 18-44.

• Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among perinatal women.

Types of Perinatal Mood Disorders

• Postpartum Blues:

  • Common in 50%-80% of new mothers.

  • Brief duration (hours to days).

  • Typically resolves spontaneously.

• Postpartum Psychosis:

  • Rare, affecting 1 in 1000 women.

  • Characterized by hallucinations/delusions.

  • Requires aggressive intervention.

• Postpartum Depression (PPD):

  • More severe than blues, less severe than psychosis.

  • Often undetected and has varying severity.

Screening Importance

• USPSTF Recommendations:

  • Routine screening for depression in adults, including perinatal women, is recommended.

  • Employers systems for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up are crucial.

• Benefits of Screening:

  • Enhanced detection through standardized tools (e.g., EPDS).

  • Identifies more cases for appropriate medical response.

Impact of Maternal Depression

• Negatively affects mothers, children, and partners.

• Associated risks include:

  • Increased maternal health issues (e.g., pre-eclampsia).

  • Higher levels of fetal stress hormones.

  • Risks of preterm birth and low birth weight.

Effects on Mother-Child Interactions

• Depressed mothers show:

  • Increased irritability and hostility.

  • Higher likelihood of neglect or abuse.

  • Less likelihood to engage in positive parenting practices, like breastfeeding.

• Importance of Attachment:

  • Sensitive mothering contributes to secure infant attachments.

  • Secure attachments lead to healthier relationships in future.

Long-Term Effects of Maternal Depression

• Research indicates children of depressed mothers exhibit:

  • Higher instances of violent behavior into later childhood.

Key Takeaways

• Depression during pregnancy and postpartum is prevalent and severe.

• Early detection and intervention through screening can significantly improve outcomes for mothers and children.