Text adapted from: "Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders," in Psychiatry in primary care by Ariel K. Dalfen (CAMH, 2019).
All patients presenting with perinatal psychiatric symptoms require an evaluation and review of their mental health history, both during perinatal stages and otherwise. While there are no concrete guidelines about preventing recurrence of episodes, patients often benefit from symptom monitoring during subsequent pregnancies and postpartum. Patients who have had severe peripartum episodes may need to resume medications in subsequent pregnancies. Women with a history of postpartum psychosis require psychiatric assessment and follow-up during subsequent pregnancies and postpartum. There is evidence that postpartum home-based visits, telephone-based peer support, CBT and IPT are effective for prevention and as forms of early intervention.
Postpartum Depression: A guide for front-line health and social service providers
This book was specifically developed to meet the needs of front-line health and social service providers who work with women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. It provides a unique Canadian perspective and covers diversity issues in more depth than other resources.