Published 15 January 2009, doi:10.1136/bmj.a2975
Cite this as: BMJ 2009;338:a2975

Editorials

Preventing and treating postnatal depression

Comprehensive screening programmes and better organisation of care are key

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Two linked studies assess different approaches for preventing and treating postnatal depression.^{1 2} This condition is a common form of maternal morbidity that affects about one in eight women from diverse cultures.³ It is also a leading cause of maternal mortality. The UK Confidential Enquiry into maternal deaths found that psychiatric disorders contributed to 12% of all maternal deaths, with suicide being identified as the leading cause of maternal mortality in the United Kingdom.⁴ Postnatal depression can also have serious consequences for the health and wellbeing of the family. Infants and children are particularly vulnerable—impaired maternal-infant interactions can affect their cognitive, emotional, social, and behavioural development. Clearly, postnatal depression is a substantial public health problem that requires attention.

Given the diversity in causes and severity of symptoms, researchers have evaluated various treatments. Although antidepressants are effective many women are reluctant to take medication, especially when breast feeding. A recent systematic review . . . [Full text of this article]

¹ University of Toronto, Lawrence S Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing and Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Toronto, ON, Canada M5T 1P8 cindylee.dennis@utoronto.ca

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This article has been cited by other articles:

• (2009). Prevention and Treatment of Postpartum Depression. JWatch Psychiatry 2009: 4-4 [Full text]  

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