The above post (by Anonymous on 10/21/09) is 100% correct. Yes, this is a complex issue but its goal is not to over prescribe drugs that aren't necessary. Screening during pregnancy and postpartum for depression and anxiety is crucial for the mental and physical health of the mother, baby and her entire family. Fear of the MOTHERS ACT stems from misinformation and stigma towards mental illness. Our society and medical providers need to treat the whole person (mental and physical) and screen accordingly. I realize this isn't the case currently. Depression and anxiety are detectable, treatable (with and without drugs) and COMMON parts of this time of a woman's life. Let's stop ignoring a very real and treatable illness and get with the program. I argue that screening for depression during pregnancy is not invading a prospective mother's privacy, it is practicing responsible medicine.
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The above post (by Anonymous on 10/21/09) is 100% correct. Yes, this is a complex issue but its goal is not to over prescribe drugs that aren't necessary. Screening during pregnancy and postpartum for depression and anxiety is crucial for the mental and physical health of the mother, baby and her entire family. Fear of the MOTHERS ACT stems from misinformation and stigma towards mental illness. Our society and medical providers need to treat the whole person (mental and physical) and screen accordingly. I realize this isn't the case currently. Depression and anxiety are detectable, treatable (with and without drugs) and COMMON parts of this time of a woman's life. Let's stop ignoring a very real and treatable illness and get with the program. I argue that screening for depression during pregnancy is not invading a prospective mother's privacy, it is practicing responsible medicine.
January 5, 2010 - 2:19pmThis Comment
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