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"Postpartum depression affects countless women worldwide, impacting their entire families, and education is essential to recognizing and treating this condition." - Mayor Richard J. Daley (10/3/2003) | |
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Knowledge is power against this devastating illness. Healthcare providers have an opportunity to play a lifesaving role in early diagnosis and proper treatment of PPD. Learn more about what healthcare professionals can do to help diagnose and treat PPD.
Please support proposed legislative initiatives that seek further understanding of and treatment for postpartum depression.
 PPD Screening Training Program - NEW!
MedEdPPD.org offers PPD Screening Training Program Online for Pediatricians and their Staff
A new clinical report recently published in JAMA recommends that during well-child visits, pediatricians should integrate screening for postpartum depression in mothers into well-child visits, according to a clinical report by the American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP’s) Committee on the Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Development. The committee argues that pediatricians who see parents and infants several times during the first year are well placed to help identify women who may need help.
To help pediatricians and their staff to be prepared to meet this need, MedEdPPD.org offers The Pittsburgh Training Program for Perinatal Depression Screening. This activity, adapted from a live, full day, interactive training program conducted in partnership with MedEdPPD on June 4, 2010 by Dr. Katherine Wisner at Women’s Behavioral HealthCARE, Pittsburgh, PA., includes 6 training sessions based on a comprehensive depression management model developed by Dr. Laura Miller, Director of Women's Mental Health Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's/Faulkner Hospitals, Harvard University.
Each interactive steps of the model are presented and discussed by a panel of faculty consultants and recognized leaders in the field. This educational activity, both the original live event and this web-based adaptation, has been made available through the generous support provided by the Staunton Farm Foundation.
Topics include:
- Perinatal Depression: Detection and Screening
- Screening for and Diagnosis of Perinatal Disorders
- Overcoming Barriers to Treatment Engagement for Low Income Populations
- Iterative Steps in a Comprehensive Program Model: Program & Treatment Overviews
- Symptom Improvement; Improved Outcomes for Perinatal Depression
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Featured Resource: Educational DVD
Postpartum Support International offers a new educational DVD for use in maternity wards, support groups, therapists offices and more. Entitled "Healthy Mom, Happy Family: Understanding Pregnancy & Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders", the 13-minute film outlines what women and healthcare providers need to know for the effective identification and treatment of mental illnesses related to childbirth. Watch a preview on YouTube here | |
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Local & National Events
Don't miss the opportunity to attend these forums and conferences designed for healthcare professionals. Some include the opportunity to earn CME and CEU credits.
Perinatal Mental Health Project
The Illinois Perinatal Mental Health Project is designed to increase the capacity of prenatal and primary health care providers throughout Illinois to diagnose and treat depression and anxiety disorders during pregnancy and postpartum. The Health Resources and Services Administration, the Michael Reese Health Trust and the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services fund this project originated by Dr. Laura Miller. We offer several resources and educational materials to support you in knowing more about perinatal mental health. For more information, to set up a free training, or for free consultation please call: Toll-free consult line: 1-800-573-6121.
Women's Behavioral HealthCARE
The Women's Behavioral HealthCARE of Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic seeks to advance both clinical care and education of health care professionals through leadership in research advances. Dr. Katherine Wisner and her staff are gathering information on the effects of depression during pregnancy and its effects on child development, the effectiveness of therapies for depression before and after pregnancy and the value of new treatments for bipolar illness in women.
National Institute of Mental Health
The National Institute of Mental Health Web site lists current clinical trials for depression, including "Effects of Interpersonal Psychotherapy on Depression During and After Pregnancy" and "Identification and Therapy of Postpartum Depression". View NIMH's strategic plan.
| Perinatal Mood Disorders and Prematurity
According to the newsletter Preemie Matters, prenatal anxiety disorders have been shown to increase the risk of prematurity, and prematurity increases the risk of postpartum depression (PPD) and other postpartum mood disorders in mothers.
(Source: National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition; www.hmhb.org.) | |
Postpartum Mood Disorders Prevention Act #SB0039
Sponsored by Sen. Don Harmon (IL) and co-sponsored by Sen. Jaqueline Y. Collins (IL), this new act provides that the Director of Public Health, in conjunction with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and the Board of Nursing, shall work with physicians, healthcare facilities, nurses and licensed health care workers in the State of Illinois to develop policies and procedures related to the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of postpartum mood disorders in women. To voice your support, contact Sen. Harmon at 217.782-8176.
Melanie Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act #HR20
Sponsored by U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush, this act seeks to expand and intensify medical research on the causes, diagnosis and treatments of postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. On October 15, 2007, the U.S. House of Representatives passed this legislation by a vote of 382-3. "After six long years, today marks an important step in the protracted journey for Congress to recognize postpartum depression as a national priority," said Rep. Rush before the vote. This bill will now be sent to the Senate for approval. To voice your support, contact your state senator. |
All material on this website is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or psychological condition. Please consult your healthcare provider for advice regarding your individual situation.
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