Follow up of Mothers Suspected of Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression (PD) is a serious and disabling mental health condition that affects 10-15% of women after childbirth. Low-income minority women are disproportionately affected. Untreated PD can lead to significant negative outcomes for both mother and child. Pediatricians are being asked to routinely screen for PD and while screening rates are improving, little is known about whether mothers actually adhere to pediatrician recommendations to seek additional help after a positive PD screen. The objective of this study is to describe the rate at which mothers seek treatment for suspected PD after a positive screen at the pediatrician office. Additional examination will look at factors that predict whether a mother recalls a recommendation to seek treatment.