Postnatal depression is best detected by doctors simply talking to their patients, according to new research.
Rather than using a screening tool with a cut-off score to detect depression in pregnant women and new mums, doctors should ask patients about their well-being as part of their usual care, and recommend new guidelines.
Professor Eddy Lang, chair of the task force's pregnancy and postpartum working group said: "Depression in pregnant and postpartum people is devastating, with a massive burden for families, and it's critical to detect it."
However, he said there is little evidence that universal screening for depression using a standard questionnaire and cut-off score improves longer-term outcomes for those patients, indicating more research is needed.
Professor Lang added: "We were disappointed to find insufficient evidence of benefit to universal screening with a questionnaire and cut-off score; rather, it's best for primary care clinicians to focus on asking patients about their well-being at visits.
"The emphasis is on an individualized rather than one-size-fits-all approach."
In creating the guidelines, the task force engaged patients to understand their values and preferences around screening to inform recommendations.
Participants felt strongly that a discussion about depression with their health care provider during pregnancy and the postpartum period is critical.
The guidelines mean medics should ask patients about their well-being as part of their usual care, consider not using a standardized tool with a cut-off score to screen every patient, and use clinical judgment to decide on further steps.
"If clinicians are uncertain about how to start the conversation, they could refer to questionnaires for discussion prompts, which is different than formal screening that would use a cut-off score to determine next steps."
Task force co-chair Professor Brenda Wilson, of Memorial University, Newfoundland, said: "Jurisdictions that employ formal screening may wish to reconsider this practice given the very uncertain evidence of benefit.
"What's essential is clinical vigilance for depression as part of usual care, as engaging in practices with no proven benefit can take away from other health issues."
Stories and infographics by ‘Talker Research’ are available to download & ready to use. Stories and videos by ‘Talker News’ are managed by SWNS. To license content for editorial or commercial use and to see the full scope of SWNS content, please email [email protected] or submit an inquiry via our contact form.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.