Outcomes of Universal Perinatal Mood Screening in the Obstetric and Pediatric Setting

Abstract

Universal mood screening for pregnant women in the perinatal period has been recommended for both obstetric and pediatric settings. This review summarizes the body of evidence that supports universal mood screening in the perinatal period. Screening has been shown to increase detection of depression, especially in the inpatient setting. When implemented with immediate referral systems or brief counseling sessions, universal screening can increase rates of referral and treatment and lower rates of depression in the postpartum period. Immediate assessment systems can be used by midlevel health-care clinicians in the home visit, obstetric, and pediatric outpatient settings.