Screening to Treatment: Obstacles and Predictors in Perinatal Depression (STOP-PPD) in the Dallas Healthy Start program.

Healthy Start programs have made tremendous contributions toward improving the health of mothers and infants through the screening and early detection of perinatal depression. In a collaborative partnership with the Dallas Healthy Start (DHS) program, this pilot study investigated rates of follow-up to systematic referrals for the treatment of perinatal depression in the DHS, as well as identified specific barriers and predictors or treatment follow-up. Results of this study support strengthening existing community-based treatment programs for perinatal depression.

Progression of major depression during pregnancy and postpartum: a preliminary study.

Objective: The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate major depressive symptoms among a high-risk group of pregnant women managed at a tertiary care setting.

Method: The study prospectively evaluated pregnant women who met DSM-IV criteria for a major depressive episode (MDE). Psychiatric measures for depression, anxiety and social impairment were administered at monthly intervals during pregnancy and immediate postpartum period.

A prospective study of postpartum depression in 17 648 parturients.

Objective: To assess perinatal antecedents to postpartum depression (PPD).

Methods: This was a prospective population-based, observational study of women screened for symptoms of depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) with scores ≥13 referred for psychiatric evaluation. Obstetric and neonatal outcomes were analyzed using univariable and multivariable analysis for associations with postpartum depressive symptoms.

Proof of concept: Partner-Assisted Interpersonal Psychotherapy for perinatal depression.

Although poor partner support is a key risk factor for depression in pregnant and postpartum women, partners are not generally involved in treatment beyond psychoeducation. The aim of this "proof of concept" study was to test safety, acceptability, and feasibility of Partner-Assisted Interpersonal Psychotherapy (PA-IPT), an intervention that includes the partner as an active participant throughout treatment. Women more than 12 weeks estimated gestational age and less than 12 weeks postpartum were invited to participate if they fulfilled DSM-IV criteria for Major Depressive Disorder and reported moderate symptom severity (HAM-D(17) ≥16).

Antenatal depression: a rationale for studying exercise.

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) in pregnancy or antenatal depression poses unique treatment challenges and has serious consequences for mothers, unborn babies, and families when untreated. This review presents current knowledge on exercise during pregnancy, antidepressant effects of exercise, and the rationale for the specific study of exercise for antenatal depression.

Method: A systematic literature review was performed using English language articles published in Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library from 1985 to January 2010.