AAP News Vol. 14 No. 8 August 1998, p. 6
© 1998 American Academy of Pediatrics
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Postpartum psychiatric screening

Carla Kemp and Luann Zanzola

During the time of a mother's greatest risk for postpartum depression (PPD), pediatricians are her most frequent health care contact and should screen actively for the condition. PPD screening can be done quickly, is effective and can minimize morbidity in pediatric patients, according to a review article by an Illinois pediatrician.

PPD is estimated to occur in as many as 20 percent of postpartum women; the incidence is even higher with adolescent motherhood, poverty and lack of social supports.

PPD consequences for children can be serious across the life span, according to the review. Depressed mothers are more likely to consider their children difficult and to feel inadequate as caregivers.