I am pleased to learn that the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has issued a recommendation statement that all persons over the age of 18 be screened for depression, including pregnant and postpartum women. This is a major step in the right direction to begin the discussion and treatment of preventive mental health services for all adults, and to help reduce the stigma that is so often associated with mental illness, and related treatable disorders. Depression as one of the most common disorders in the U.S., and a leading cause of disability in persons 15 years and older, affecting approximately 15.7 million adults.
Specifically, the Task Force reported that early screening is moderately effective in detecting and providing appropriate care to persons suffering from depression, whether or not symptoms are present. Certain risk factors are often associated with adult depression--those experiencing significant changes in their lives, such as childbirth, sudden loss, chronic illness, family histories of mental illness, and those who struggle with substance use are at higher risk for developing depression. Screening tests and assessments by mental health professionals can be very useful in detecting depression, and these treatments usually includes antidepressants and psychotherapy either alone or in combination, depending on the severity of depressive symptoms.
The connection of mental health and one's overall well-being is the catalyst for The Chicago School of Professional Psychology's soon-to-be published Mental Health Report. In this report, we talk about the social determinants of health, childhood experiences, diet and nutrition, physical activity, and exposure to stress and trauma that connect to form our current mental health status. Our in-house experts also discuss the direct affect mental health and physical health have on each other. Most importantly, the many options available in achieving physical and mental wellness. Once published, the report will guide readers through the social stigma attached to mental health care, and present three promising approaches to wellness: leveraging technology to improve health; the use of interprofessional health care teams; and the importance of focusing on prevention. This is where the current recommendation to screen all adults for depression falls into place; this is prevention, through early detection at work, and it is especially meaningful for women experiencing postpartum depression.
The American Psychological Association (APA) estimates one in seven women experience postpartum depression--about half of those probably start having symptoms during pregnancy. For about 50 percent of all women diagnosed with postpartum depression, this is their first episode of depression, so early detection and treatment can make a big difference, and women should understand there are many resources available to help. The American Psychological Association's Consumer Help Center can help find a local psychologist. According to the APA, new mothers experiencing postpartum depression need to realize it is not their fault and that how you are feeling is very real and treatable.
The Chicago School applauds the Task Force for making these recommendations. As a next step, we need to ensure that funding from the federal government is in place to support community mental health centers that can offer screening and treatment services. Mental health prevention goes a long way in ensuring the overall well-being of our nation.