Postpartum Depression Screening: A Review for Psychiatrists

Gaps between current practice in perinatal depression screening and guideline recommendations: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Screening for perinatal depression is recommended by many guidelines to reduce the disease burden, but current implementation practices require clarification.

METHOD

Fifteen databases were searched for observational studies using a pre-tested search strategy. In addition, the websites of academic organizations were searched for guidelines, recommendations, and reports. Literature published between January 1, 2010, and December 19, 2021, in either English or Chinese, was included. The standard form of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) was used to assess risk of bias of the included studies.

RESULTS

The data analysis covered 103 studies, 21 guidelines, 11 recommendations, five position statements, three reports, two committee opinions, three consensuses, one consultation, and one policy statement. All but one guideline recommended that mothers be routinely screened for perinatal depression at least once during the perinatal period. In addition, 39 documents recommended that perinatal mothers at risk of perinatal depression be provided with or referred to counseling services. In original studies, however, only 8.7% of the original studies conducted routine screenings, and only one-third offered referral services after the screening process. The EPDS emerged as the most frequently used screening tool to measure perinatal depression. 32% (n = 33) of studies reported the technology used for screening. The most commonly used method was face-to-face interviews (n = 22). Screening personnel the agents conducting the screening comprised researchers (n = 26), nurses (n = 15), doctors (n = 11).

CONCLUSIONS

A significant disparity was observed between the recommendations and implementation of perinatal depression screening, highlighting the need to integrate routine screening and referral processes into maternal care services.

Bibliometric analysis of published articles on perinatal depression from 1920 to 2020

AIM

To analyze the characteristics and trends in published research on perinatal depression between 1920 and 2020.

METHODS

A search strategy in Web of Science identified all published literature on perinatal depression between January 1, 1920, and December 31, 2020. Output from Web of Science was used to analyze bibliometric information, and VOSViewer was used to visualize the networks of linkages between identified publications.

RESULTS

There were 16,961 publications identified. Among these publications, there were 82,726 unique authors and 140 countries represented. The United States had the highest frequency of publications (44.6%). Most publications (69.8%) occurred between 2011 and 2020, with the first publication identified in 1928. There were 2197 unique journals identified, with over half publishing only one (n = 948, 43.2%) or two relevant publications (n = 314, 14.3%). Authors with the largest number of publications were Wisner (n = 115), Dennis (n = 95), and Murray (n = 92), while authors with the largest number of citations were Cox (n = 7225), Murray (n = 2755), and O'Hara (n = 2069).

LIMITATIONS

While the Web of Science is a representative database identifying the greatest number of relevant articles, it may be unrepresentative of all published literature.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study mapping publications on perinatal depression between 1920 and 2020. The rate of publication on perinatal depression has been steadily increasing in recent years with a wide variety of authors, countries, and journals represented. As the field continues to grow, trends may shift as early career researchers emerge and the importance of mental health in low-income countries is prioritized.

Mindfulness-Based Interventions for the Occurrence of Postpartum Depression in Elderly Primiparas

This study aimed to investigate the independent risk factors for the occurrence of postpartum depression (PPD) in elderly primiparas and the effect of mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) on improving the PPD. Two hundred cases of elderly primiparas who underwent delivery in our hospital from January 2016 to December 2019 were enrolled as study participants and divided into an occurrence group (n = 60) and a nonoccurrence group (n = 140) according to whether they developed PPD. The occurrence group was divided into a study group (n = 30) receiving MBI and a control group (n = 30) without any intervention. Independent risk factors influencing the occurrence of PPD were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The effect of the intervention was also analyzed in the study group. Education level, marital status, household monthly income per person, sex of the newborn, milk volume, sleep quality, and relationship with in-laws were risk factors for the development of PPD. After the intervention, Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire scores were increased in the study group and were higher than in the control group (P < 0.05). The study group also exhibited higher 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale scores, lower Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Schizophrenia Quality of Life Scale scores than the control group (P < 0.05). A variety of independent risk factors affected the occurrence of PPD in elderly primiparas, and MBI should be targeted clinically to reduce their negative emotions, increase psychological resilience, and improve their quality of life.

Timing of Breastfeeding Initiation Mediates the Association between Delivery Mode, Source of Breastfeeding Education, and Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Background: Emergency cesarean section (EMCS) and breastfeeding difficulties increase the risk of postpartum depressive (PPD) symptoms. Early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) may not only alleviate PPD symptoms but also facilitate subsequent breastfeeding success. EMCS is a risk factor for not practicing EIBF. Therefore, it is important to understand the relationship between EMCS, EIBF, and PPD symptoms. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study in three areas of China. At baseline, a total of 965 mothers completed electronic questionnaires within 72 h postpartum. Women were screened for PPD symptoms using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS). Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the determinants of PPD symptoms. Mediation analysis was used to determine if EIBF mediated the relationship between delivery mode or breastfeeding education source and PPD symptoms. Results: The prevalence of EIBF was 40.6%; 14% of 965 mothers experienced EMCS, and 20.4% had PPD symptoms. The risk factors for developing PPD symptoms were excessive gestational weight gain (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.55, confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.03−2.33, p = 0.037) and EMCS (aOR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.30−3.25, p = 0.002). The protective factors for developing PPD symptoms were monthly household income over CNY 10000 (aOR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.47−0.97, p = 0.034), EIBF (aOR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.34−0.72, p < 0.001), and prenatal breastfeeding education from nurses (aOR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.29−0.73, p = 0.001). EIBF indirectly affected PPD symptoms in patients who had undergone EMCS (percentage mediated [PM] = 16.69, 95% CI: 7.85−25.25, p < 0.001). The source of breastfeeding education through EIBF also affected PPD symptoms (PM = 17.29, 95% CI: 3.80−30.78, p = 0.012). Conclusion: The association between EMCS on PPD symptoms was mediated by EIBF. By providing breastfeeding education, nurses could also help alleviate PPD symptoms.

Elevated Perinatal Depression during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A National Study among Jewish and Arab Women in Israel

This study assessed prevalence of perinatal depression symptoms (PNDS) during the COVID-19 pandemic among Arab and Jewish women in Israel and identified COVID-19-related risk factors for PNDS, while comparing Arab and Jewish women. Sample included 730 perinatal women (604 Jewish and 126 Arab) aged 19-45 years, who filled out an online self-report questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed several areas: perinatal experiences and exposure to COVID-19, social support, and financial and emotional impact. PNDS was measured by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Prevalence of PNDS (EPDS ≥ 10) in the entire study population was 40.0%. Prevalence among Arab women was significantly higher compared to Jewish women (58% vs. 36%, PV < 0.001). Higher PNDS were significantly associated with anxiety symptoms (GAD ≥ 10) (PV < 0.001), stress related to COVID-19 (PV < 0.001), adverse change in delivery of healthcare services (PV = 0.025), and unemployment (PV = 0.002). PNDS has elevated more than twofold during COVID-19 in Israel. Such high rates of PNDS may potentially negatively impact women, and fetal and child health development. This situation requires special attention from public health services and policy makers to provide support and mitigation strategies for pregnant and postpartum women in times of health crises.

Screening for perinatal depression with the Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale (PHQ-9): A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Perinatal depression (PND) is a prevalent and disabling problem both during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The legacy screening measure has been the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). This systematic review examines the validity of the PHQ-9 as a screener for PND.

METHODS

The following databases were searched from January 2001 (when the PHQ-9 was first published) through June 2020: MEDLINE, Embase, and PsychInfo. Studies that compared the PHQ-9 to a criterion standard psychiatric interview were used to determine the operating characteristics of sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve (AUC). Studies comparing the PHQ-9 to the EPDS and other depression scales evaluated convergent validity.

RESULTS

A total of 35 articles were eligible for criterion (n = 10) or convergent (n = 25) validity. Meta-analysis of the 7 criterion validity studies using the standard PHQ-9 cut point ≥10 showed a pooled sensitivity, specificity and AUC of 0.84, 0.81 and 0.89, respectively. Operating characteristics of the PHQ-9 and EPDS were nearly identical in head-to-head comparison studies. The median correlation between the PHQ-9 and EPDS was 0.59, and categorical agreement was moderate.

CONCLUSIONS

The PHQ-9 appears to be a viable option for perinatal depression screening with operating characteristics similar to the legacy EPDS.

A Stepped Care Model of Patient Navigation to Enhance Engagement with Perinatal Mental Health Care

During the perinatal period, women are at increased risk for developing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). As perinatal mental health screening efforts increase, significantly more women will be identified who require mental health services. Evidence-based treatments exist, yet many women do not receive adequate care. Patient navigation (PN) offers a promising patient-centered approach to improve treatment attendance and engagement. The purpose of this study is to describe the development of a stepped care PN service at an intensive outpatient program for women with PMADs. Our experience incorporating this model of PN revealed significant features that may guide other treatment care facilities to adopt this service to increase identification and connection to care.

Le dévoilement de soi dans la recherche d’aide et le suivi dans les services de santé mentale et psychiatrie

Le dévoilement de soi des patients est essentiel au travail des professionnels de la santé, et ceci est encore plus critique en santé mentale où la parole du patient est le reflet du contenu de la psyché. Le dévoilement de soi concerne alors des symptômes invisibles qui sont associés à des problèmes de santé où la discrimination et la stigmatisation sont encore très présentes. Cet article explore les enjeux éthiques de ce phénomène encore très peu étudié. Le dévoilement en tant que processus décisionnel, interpersonnel, dynamique et complexe sera défini et approfondi à l’aide d’exemples tirés de la recherche. Par la suite, la vulnérabilité de la personne qui se dévoile sera abordée, suivie des enjeux liés aux normes de pratique professionnelle associées au dévoilement des patients et à leur responsabilité avers celui-ci. Ces éléments mettent en lumière de nombreuses questions éthiques et nous amènent, en dernier lieu, à une amorce de proposition pour positionner les professionnels impliqués.

Associations between commonly used patient-reported outcome tools in postpartum depression clinical practice and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression

The objective of this study is to explore the associations between the patient-reported Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 and clinician-reported 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) in order to facilitate clinical decision-making. An integrated efficacy dataset of three randomized placebo-controlled trials (NCT02614547, NCT02942004, and NCT02942017) evaluating brexanolone injection, a neuroactive steroid chemically identical to allopregnanolone, in women with postpartum depression was used for this post hoc analysis. Data were pooled across treatment arms. Associations were assessed at day 30 (end-of-trial follow-up). Pearson correlation assessed the relationship between EPDS and PHQ-9 item and total scores and HAMD-17 total score. Cohen's kappa assessed agreement of EPDS remission (score < 10) and PHQ-9 remission (score < 5) with HAMD-17 remission (score ≤ 7). Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models were used to develop equations estimating HAMD-17 total scores from EPDS and PHQ-9 scores, respectively. The total scores showed large correlations (HAMD-17/EPDS: r = 0.71, p < 0.001; HAMD-17/PHQ-9: r = 0.75, p < 0.001). Individual EPDS and PHQ-9 items significantly correlated (r= 0.35 to 0.67, all p < 0.001) with HAMD-17 total score. EPDS had 79% sensitivity and 67% specificity to detect HAMD-17 remission; corresponding estimates for PHQ-9 were 76% and 78%. OLS models yielded the following equations: HAMD-17 total = 2.66 + (EPDS total × 0.87) and HAMD-17 total = 3.99 + (PHQ-9 total × 0.97). There were large and statistically significant associations between patient-reported outcomes (EPDS, PHQ-9) and clinician-reported outcomes (HAMD-17) as clinical improvements were associated with patient-reported symptom improvement. These results provide tools to help translate clinical trial data to clinical practice, thus aiding shared decision-making for this critical population.

Validation of the MGMQ in screening for emotional difficulties in women during pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Screening for emotional health difficulties in pregnant or postpartum women is becoming routine practice in health services. This screening is often done using the EPDS, usually using a screen positive score just to identify possible depression. This and other such scales often have a myriad of screen-positive scores, making them impractical within clinical settings. The recent MGMQ screens for a variety of negative moods, is brief, simple, and has just a few screen-positive thresholds.

METHOD

At recruitment 391 women attending routine antenatal clinics completed various mood questionnaires. Several weeks later they were re-contacted by phone, at which time 247-252 of them provided valid data on the MGMQ, EPDS, and a diagnostic interview for depression and anxiety disorders (numbers vary depending upon valid combinations).

RESULTS

The MGMQ showed good-excellent receiver operating characteristics (sensitivity specificity, positive predictive value) against diagnostic status for depression or anxiety disorders. It also showed good concurrent and concordant validity with the EPDS, and good discriminant validity between women with clinical and subclinical diagnostic caseness. Stability over several weeks was however low, indicating that, as with other measures, women's mood can naturally change during the perinatal period.

LIMITATIONS

The findings only apply to English-speaking antenatal women from Sydney, Australia.

CONCLUSION

The MGMQ has good psychometric properties when compared to the usual gold-standard applied to emotional health screening measures. Its brevity, simplicity to 'score' and interpret, together with its clinically useful questions, suggest it could be a practical alternative to other more complicated mood screening measures for perinatal women.

Barriers to postpartum depression treatment among Indigenous Bedouin women in Israel: A focus group study

Postpartum depression (PPD), a common mental health problem among mothers worldwide, is higher among minority women. However, little is known about barriers faced by minority women when accessing mental health care services (MHCS) for PPD treatment. Drawing on McLeroy et al (Health Education Quartely 15: 351, 1988) ecological model, the current study explores barriers to mental health services among pregnant and postpartum minority Bedouin women in southern Israel. We conducted eight focus groups (FGs) in Arabic with 75 Bedouin women recruited using snowball sampling. Participants completed a socio-demographic questionnaire at each FG. Discussions were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Next, we conducted simultaneous thematic analysis and coded transcripts into conceptual categories based on the ecological model. We found multiple barriers that manifest at different levels (individual, family, organisational, economic, and public policy) and interact to limit Bedouin women's access to PPD treatment. At the individual level, factors included: women's negative attitudes toward PPD, women's societal status, grand multipara, gender, and limited knowledge about PPD; at the family level: low awareness among husbands and other family members regarding PPD symptoms and treatment, and lack of social support; at the organisational level: lack of culturally appropriate (health care services) HCSs, lack of PPD screening, and lack of PPD detection by family physicians; at the community level: economic barriers and poverty, stigmatisation of mental health problems, polygamy, and multiple births; finally, at the public policy level: residence in unrecognised villages lacking basic infrastructure. Our study thus sheds light on multilevel barriers impacting PPD prevention and treatment among Bedouin women. Policies and intervention programmes should seek to remove these barriers and protect Bedouin women and their children from the consequences of PPD.

PPD ACT: an app-based genetic study of postpartum depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most frequent complications of childbirth and particularly is suited to genetic investigation as it is more homogenous than major depression outside of the perinatal period. We developed an iOS app (PPD ACT) to recruit, consent, screen, and enable DNA collection from women with a lifetime history of PPD to sufficiently power genome-wide association studies. In 1 year, we recruited 7344 women with a history of PPD and have biobanked 2946 DNA samples from the US. This sample of PPD cases was notably severely affected and within 2 years of their worst episode of PPD. Clinical validation was performed within a hospital setting on a subset of participants and recall validity assessed 6-9 months after initial assessment to ensure reliability of screening tools. Here we detail the creation of the PPD ACT mobile app including design, ethical, security, and deployment considerations. We emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration to correctly implement such a research project. Additionally, we describe our ability to customize the PPD ACT platform to deploy internationally in order to collect a global sample of women with PPD.

Establishing a coherent and replicable measurement model of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

The 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is an established screening tool for postnatal depression. Inconsistent findings in factor structure and replication difficulties have limited the scope of development of the measure as a multi-dimensional tool. The current investigation sought to robustly determine the underlying factor structure of the EPDS and the replicability and stability of the most plausible model identified. A between-subjects design was used. EPDS data were collected postpartum from two independent cohorts using identical data capture methods. Datasets were examined with confirmatory factor analysis, model invariance testing and systematic evaluation of relational and internal aspects of the measure. Participants were two samples of postpartum women in England assessed at three months (n = 245) and six months (n = 217). The findings showed a three-factor seven-item model of the EPDS offered an excellent fit to the data, and was observed to be replicable in both datasets and invariant as a function of time point of assessment. Some EPDS sub-scale scores were significantly higher at six months. The EPDS is multi-dimensional and a robust measurement model comprises three factors that are replicable. The potential utility of the sub-scale components identified requires further research to identify a role in contemporary screening practice.

Transitions of Adoptive Parents: A Longitudinal Mixed Methods Analysis

As adoptive parents create a new family, they face myriad changes both pre-and post-placement of their child. The aim of this study was to describe parent perceptions and depressive symptoms during this transition via reports collected with an online survey. Using content analysis, we analyzed a total of 110 responses from 64 parents at three time points: 4-6weeks pre-placement, and 4-6weeks and 5-6months post-placement. Five main themes were revealed: Transition from uncertainty to a new normal; unique experiences related to adoption; rest/fatigue: out of balance; life stressors; and faith/spirituality. Two subthemes were also identified: previous losses (pre-placement) and joy and love (post-placement). During the transition from pre-to post-placement, adoptive parents experience a unique passage, with both challenges and strengths exclusive to this group of parents. While acknowledging the commonalities of some parenting experiences, healthcare and adoption professionals should recognize the unique dynamics that adoption brings to families.

Improving discrimination in antepartum depression screening using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

BACKGROUND

Universal screening of pregnant women for postpartum depression has recently been recommended; however, optimal application of depression screening tools in stratifying risk has not been defined. The current study examines new approaches to improve the ability of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to stratify risk for postpartum depression, including alternate cut points, use of a continuous measure, and incorporation of other putative risk factors.

METHODS

An observational cohort study of 4939 women screened both antepartum and postpartum with a negative EPDS screen antepartum(i.e. EPDS<10). The primary outcome was a probable postpartum major depressive episode(EPDS cut-off ≥10). Area under the receiver operating characteristics curve(AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were calculated.

RESULTS

287 women(5.8%) screened positive for postpartum depression. An antepartum EPDS cut-off<5 optimally identified women with a low risk of postpartum depression with a negative predictive value of 97.6%; however, overall discrimination was modest(AUC 0.66, 95%CI: 0.64-0.69); sensitivity was 78.7%, and specificity was 53.8%, and the positive predictive value was low at 9.5%. The negative predictive values were similar(>95%) at all antepartum EPDS cut-off values from 4 to 8. Discrimination was improved(AUC ranging from 0.70 to 0.73) when the antepartum EPDS was combined with a prior history of major depressive disorder before pregnancy.

LIMITATIONS

An inability to assess EPDS subscales and a relatively low prevalence of depression in this cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Though an antepartum EPDS cut-off score <5 yielded the greatest discrimination identifying women at low risk for postpartum depression, the negative predictive value was insufficient to substitute for postpartum screening.