What is Mandated Screening for Postpartum Depression?
There has been a great deal of confusion and misinformation around the concept of mandated screening for perinatal mood disorders. Who is mandated to offer screening? And are mothers required to receive it?
The answer is, there is no law in any state or federal bill that mandates mothers to receive screening for postpartum depression. While New Jersey has a law mandating health care facilities to offer screening to new mothers prior to discharge, mothers are not required to receive it. There is no such law in any state in the union. As with any other medical test, the patient must consent to participate.
Here is a recent audio segment that aired on a Philadelphia radio station that helps to explain it.
But think about it for a moment. There is no controversy around other screenings for illnesses which are common in pregnancy and in the postpartum such as suspected gestational diabetes or hypertension. So why has screening for perinatal mood disorders become such a debated issue?
We are right up against our old nemesis "The Motherhood Myth", for one. Secondly, health care providers with an obstetrical or pediatric specialty do not necessarily want to be in the business of mental health. And third, we still need appropriate referral resources so that a continuum of care is offered to each mother who may accept the screening and find that further evaluation is needed.
While the majority of mothers will maintain health and enjoyment throughout their pregnancy and beyond, those who suffer from perinatal mood disorders will experience a despair which is amplified by unawareness. If no one told them that such illnesses exist - which is still all too common - these women will be left in an isolating hell of self-doubt and recrimination that will seriously undermine their maternal experience... and could compromise their infants very first human relationship.
No mother wants to be depressed or anxious.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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Home run! Great sglguing with that answer!
June 2, 2011 - 5:50pmThis Comment
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June 15, 2011 - 5:31pm