Improving Patient Identification, Shared Decision Making, and Connections to Care for Postpartum Depression-Video

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Video Summary

The recent ACOOG Women's Health Matters webinar series, moderated by Dr. Rupesh Patel, focused on postpartum depression, covering key aspects of patient identification, shared decision-making, and connecting patients to care. The session, supported by the France Foundation and Sage Therapeutics, featured Dr. Melissa Lott, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist.<br /><br />Dr. Lott emphasized the importance of recognizing postpartum depression, defining it as a major depressive episode occurring from pregnancy through 12 months postpartum. She reviewed diagnostic criteria, risk factors (biologic, psychosocial, and environmental), and the consequences of untreated postpartum depression, including adverse outcomes for both mother and child.<br /><br />Effective diagnosis involves using validated screening tools like the EPDS, PHQ-9, and GAD-7. Dr. Lott advocated for the frequent use of these tools during and after pregnancy. Treatment strategies include psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, with SSRIs and SNRIs being first-line medications. Dr. Lott stressed the importance of shared decision-making in developing treatment plans, considering both therapy and medication.<br /><br />She highlighted barriers to accessing behavioral health care, emphasizing the need for OB-GYNs to play a pivotal role in identifying, treating, and referring patients for specialized care. She also underscored the necessity of regular follow-up and coordinated care among healthcare providers.<br /><br />The session concluded with practical advice on tapering medications and ensuring comprehensive postpartum care. Dr. Lott called for robust documentation and collaborative efforts to manage postpartum depression effectively.

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Keywords

postpartum depression

patient identification

shared decision-making

screening tools

psychotherapy

pharmacotherapy

behavioral health care

coordinated care