Helping mothers beat depression

Better national strategies are needed to identify and treat depression in women during and after pregnancy, according to researchers at Murdoch Childrens.

In an article published in the Medical Journal of Australia, the researchers have responded to the Federal Government’s National Perinatal Mental Health Plan to roll out a national screening program to test women in pregnancy or after the birth for depression.

They argue there is not enough evidence to suggest population-based screening benefits women and that there is a risk of harm.

With one in seven women likely to suffer from postnatal depression, lead researcher Dr Jane Yelland said other approaches needed to be developed to assess and support women with emotional and social health issues following birth.

“Having a baby is a major life event and often a busy time for women and being physically or emotionally unwell is not uncommon,” she said.

“We suggest health professionals do not rely on screening with a single tool to identify depression, but ask women about a range of health issues impacting on their lives during this period including depression and anxiety, as well as physical and social health issues.”

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