Postpartum depression can prove to be one of the most debilitating conditions for any new mother, but health experts are hoping to step in and tackle the issue for once and for all.

 

A US task force has recommended that all pregnant women and new mothers should be screened for depression.

 

The recommendation comes following extensive research carried out by the Preventive Services Task Force, which cited studies claiming that 9% of pregnant women and 10% of new mothers experience a ‘major depressive episode’.

 

In their report, the team of health experts added that all adults should be screened for the illness if they are in a situation where they can avail of treatment or a referral for clinical depression.

 

Commenting on the driving force behind the recommendation, one of the report’s authors explained: “There is better evidence for identifying and treating women with depression during and after pregnancy...[This is why] we specifically called out the need for screening during this period.”

 

Do you think this should be rolled out by every health service, worldwide?

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