Perinatal Depression Screening

Perinatal depression can have serious and lasting consequences on a child’s development. Children of depressed mothers are at risk for developmental and behavioral problems and may be predisposed for developing depressive disorders themselves. Early identification of and response to this issue is critical because a depressed mother is less likely to understand the cues or signals of her young child. The role of the direct service staff is to do those things necessary to ensure that every child is thriving in an adequate, nurturing environment.

This training focuses on a full and detailed overview of perinatal depression. It provides discussion for staff who are facing challenges with moms experiencing depressive symptoms.. The types, symptoms, frequency and strategies for addressing perinatal depression through support and intervention are discussed. Staff also learn to administer the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).