FeaturePerinatal depression screening Improving outcomes during COVID-19Ellington, Kelly DNP, RN, APRN, WHNP-BC, RNC-OB Author Information Kelly Ellington is an assistant professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington College of Health and Human Services School of Nursing in Wilmington, N.C. The author has disclosed no financial relationships related to this article. Nursing: October 2021 - Volume 51 - Issue 10 - p 50-54 doi: 10.1097/01.NURSE.0000791712.24103.2e Buy Metrics AbstractIn Brief Recommendations for social distancing and avoidance of mass gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic have correlated with increased depressive symptoms in some individuals, such as loss of interest in daily activities, sleeplessness, or sadness. Perinatal depression screening using established, validated tools can aid with early diagnosis, guide management strategies, and optimize outcomes for pregnant women and their families. Identifying at-risk patients early in pregnancy and implementing a plan of care with appropriate mental health resources such as counseling or therapy have been shown to decrease clinical depression by more than 40%. RNs are uniquely positioned to identify depressive or anxiety symptoms during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. This article discusses use of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to help recognize patients at risk for perinatal depression. Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved
