Perinatal depression 101

Key facts about perinatal depression

1.  "It takes a village to raise a baby" Explore helps which are available (husband, mother and friends)
2. Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) can be used to screen for postnatal depression. A score > 10 is suggestive of possible depression.
3. Don't forget risk assessment and physical problems such as mastitis, urinary tract infection and thyroid dysfunction.
4. beyondblue postnatal depression screening program reported that 16% of women have depression in the postnatal period. (Postnatal depression is common)
5. SSRI (sertraline) is reported to be present in low concentrations in breast milk, has little transfer to the infant and poses few risks of side effects in the child.
6. Paroxetine should be avoided in women of child-bearing age.
7. When stopping antidepressants, reduce it over a period of time (6 months)