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Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
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Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants

Published on: June 13, 2021

Nonpharmacologic intervention and prevention strategies for depression during pregnancy and the postpartum

Sona Dimidjian1, Sherryl Goodman

  • 1Depression Center, Department of Psychology, University of Colorado,Boulder, CO 80309-0345, USA. sona.dimidjian@colorado.edu

Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology
|August 8, 2009
PubMed

Perinatal depression is a serious and disabling disorder that has enduring consequences for both women and their children. Although efficacious pharmacologic strategies are available, many perinatal women are reluctant to continue or start antidepressant medications because of the concern about impact on the fetus or, later, the nursing infant. Weighing the costs and benefits of pharmacologic strategies often requires complex-decision making on the part of obstetric providers and patients. Nonpharmacologic intervention and prevention strategies offer the potential of beneficial outcomes without substantial risk profiles. This paper reviews the evidence base for nonpharmacologic intervention and prevention strategies for depression during pregnancy and the postpartum. The evidence base suggests that efficacious nonpharmacologic options are available for women during pregnancy and postpartum; however, important research questions remain.

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