Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most common problems affecting new mothers. While many women may experience mood changes after childbirth, PPD differs from the typical baby blues. While the “blues” are characterized by feelings of sadness or emotional reactivity in the immediate postpartum, the blues do not necessarily interfere with daily activities and do not lead to significant changes in normal functioning. In contrast, postpartum depression is more severe and persistent. PPD can involve loss of interest in usual activities, mood swings, changes in appetite and sleep habits, and suicidal thoughts, among other symptoms in the period following childbirth.
In the United States, PPD affects more than 1 in 7 women after childbirth and, if left untreated, may be associated with significant maternal morbidity and mortality, as well as numerous negative implications for infant attachment, child development, and overall public health and societal well-being.
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recommends screening for depression and anxiety at least once during the perinatal period using a standardized and validated screening tool. Although these recommendations are widely accepted, a review published in 2019 found that upwards of 50% of women with PPD go undiagnosed and untreated.
Rachel Vanderkruik, PhD and colleagues from the Center for Women’s Mental Health at MGH recently launched a research study, funded by the Marriott Foundation, which will assess current screening to treatment pathways in women who screen positive for PPD across the Mass General Brigham (MGB) hospital system: Screening and Treatment Enhancement Program For Postpartum Depression in the MGB System or STEPS for PPD. In collaboration with multiple obstetric clinics across MGB, the STEPS project will assess clinical and treatment outcomes of postpartum screening and will explore barriers and facilitators to screening and treating PPD.
STEPS builds on a previous small study investigating systems of PPD screening, referral, and treatment. Ultimately, the hope is that these findings from the project will ensure that all patients are screened for postpartum depression after delivery and, if they do screen positive, are referred to receive appropriate care and treatment of their symptoms. The knowledge gained from this study will illuminate factors associated with utilization of treatment services for postpartum depression and can inform how best to increase access and uptake of services for future patients.
You can read more about this project HERE.
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Rachel Vanderkruik, PhD, MSc is the Associate Director of Research and Cognitive Behavioral Services and a Staff Psychologist with the Center for Women’s Mental Health at MGH. Her research focuses on increasing access to evidence-based interventions and services through novel delivery methods (e.g., online platforms, peer delivery, and integrated care) and addressing disparities in mental health access and outcomes nationally and on a global scale.
