USPSTF 2018 recommends counseling for pregnant and postpartum woman at risk of depression (B recommendation)

Reference

US Preventive Services Task Force, Curry SJ, Krist AH, et al. Interventions to prevent perinatal depression. US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA 2019;321(6):580-587.

Synopsis

The USPSTF found 50 studies (N = 22,385) that evaluated interventions to prevent perinatal depression in general populations of pregnant and postpartum women. Counseling interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy, were associated with a significantly lower likelihood of onset of perinatal depression in women at increased risk. Women with a history of depression, current depressive or anxiety symptoms, low income, youth, single parenthood, recent intimate partner violence, or history of significant negative life events were considered at increased risk (number needed to treat = 13.5). The task force concludes that there is small to no risk of harm from behavioral counseling interventions, and that the evidence is inadequate to assess the benefits and harms of other interventions, including physical activity, education, pharmacotherapy, dietary supplements, and health system interventions. They found no accurate screening tools for identifying those women who are at risk of perinatal depression specifically. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends screening for depression and anxiety for all women.