A novel tool for risk assessment, screening, diagnosis, assessment, and therapy in postpartum depression

Postpartum depression (PPD), as a common condition occurring in women in the postnatal period, is underdiagnosed, seldom identified, and infrequently treated. Undiagnosed PPD can have negative consequences for overall quality-of-life outcomes in the mother, psychological growth of the infant, and bonding between the infant and its mother. However, early diagnosis and prompt treatment of PPD can lead to an improvement in postpartum maternal health and a healthier relationship between the mother and her infant. Additionally, early identification of risk factors in the prenatal and antenatal period can enable preventive treatment and ensure that the expectant or pregnant woman remains free of disease after giving birth. Therefore, we propose a protocol for the risk assessment, screening, diagnosis, assessment, and therapy of postnatal depression (RASDAT). The RASDAT protocol recommends assessment of risk factors for PPD in the perinatal period as well as early diagnosis and treatment in the early-to-mid postpartum period. It also recognizes, for the first time, insomnia and anxiety as important predictors, comorbidities, and poor prognostic factors in postpartum depression. Further studies are necessary to determine the feasibility and applicability of this novel tool, including costs of availing health facilities, burden on the health system, and knowledge, attitudes, and practices among physicians and clinical pharmacists regarding PPD and its resolution.