Screening new mothers for depression can help prevent a host of problems in their children, reveals a new clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

“Simply asking the mother if she has been feeling down, depressed, or hopeless, and if she has little interest or pleasure in activities -- well-recognized as symptoms of depression -- can be a tipoff that intervention may be needed”, explained Marian F. Earls, MD, of Guilford Child Health in Greensboro, N.C., and colleagues from the AAP Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health.

Rate of depression among pregnant and postpartum women ranges between 5 percent to 25 percent, while for major depression in the first year after the birth varies from 1 percent to 6.8 percent.

Common depression in new mothers involves constant crying, anxiety, mood swings and postpartum psychosis, which requires urgent attention and often hospitalization.Negative effects of postpartum depression
The maternal depression can have an adverse effect on mother-child attachment and bonding.

"The processes for early brain development -- neuronal migration, synapse formation, and pruning -- are responsive to and directed by environment as well as genetics," the researchers wrote.

Lack of mother-child bonding and attachment can effect the cognitive and social development, beginning as early as two months.

Also an "insecure attachment" due to untreated maternal depression can later lead to the development of behavior problems, anxiety, and mood disorders through childhood and adolescence.

Associated with factors like substance abuse and violence, it can adversely affect child’s development.

Screening for problems
Due to the obstructions like time pressure, inadequate reimbursement, and lack of training in postpartum depression screening tools, the pediatrician who screens for perinatal depression need not provide any treatment to the patients.

Rather, the focus should be on providing guidance, referrals to specialists and community services, and follow-up, according to the AAP report.

Pediatrician can meet parents and possibly identify warning signs and risk factors and plan for necessary services during a prenatal visit.

The screening can be carried out during the routine infancy visits, using a tool such as the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale.

Support and patient education can be provided in case of minor depression, while major patients can be referred to specialists.