Office-based Brief Interventions for Low-risk Perinatal Depression Situations

Components of office-based brief interventions can include such things as:

• Explanation and open dialogue to help reduce stigma, validate and normalize the stress faced by new families, and, ultimately, foster early identification of those who may need additional resources (“demystification”)
• Communication about the potential impact on the infant and need for infant screenings and surveillance
• Initial and ongoing support, which includes providing validation and empathy for the mother’s experiences and identifying community resources to promote family wellness
• Reinforcement, when necessary, through referrals to evidence-based treatment programs (eg, to a mental health provider or lactation support)

For more interventions and how to manage high-risk situations and referrals, see the 2019 AAP Incorporating Recognition and Management of Perinatal Depression Into Pediatric Practice policy statement and technical report.