Milgrom, J., Mendelsohn, J., Gemmill, A.W. (2010). Does Postnatal Depression Screening Work? Throwing out the Bathwater, Keeping the Baby. Journal of Affective Disorders

This paper provides a detailed statistical argument which suggests that population screening with an instrument at least as accurate as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale can successfully increase the number of cases identified and, therefore, treatment rates. Comparisons with the performance of physical health-screening programs appear favourable. Following all positive screening results with a formal diagnostic procedure is likely to be useful both clinically and in terms of health system costs.

Milgrom, J., Holt, C., Gemmill, A.W., Ericksen, J., Leigh, B., Buist, A. & Schembri, C. (2011). Treating Postnatal Depressive Symptoms in primary care: A randomised controlled trial of GP management, with and without adjunctive counselling. BMC Psychiatry

This parallel, 3-group randomised controlled trial conducted in a primary care setting (general practices and maternal & child health Centres) and a psychology clinic compared management of postnatal depression following screening with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale using three best-practice care pathways. Findings suggest that GP management of PND augmented by a CBT-counselling package may be more successful in reducing depressive symptoms compared to GP management alone.

Milgrom, J., Schembri, C., Ericksen, J., Ross, J., & Gemmill, A. (2011). Towards Parenthood: An Antenatal Intervention to Reduce Depression, Anxiety and Parenting Difficulties. Journal of Affective Disorders

The effectiveness of an antenatal intervention which targeted risk factors for poor postnatal adjustment was evaluated with the dual aim of reducing both postnatal symptoms of depression/anxiety and parenting difficulties (a nine-unit self-guided workbook with weekly telephone support). Following the antenatal intervention there were significantly fewer cases scoring above threshold for mild-to-severe depression/anxiety symptoms postnatally compared to routine care, along with a trend towards reduced parenting stress.

Whisman, M. et al. (2011). Relationship adjustment, depression, and anxiety during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Journal of Family Psychology, 25, 375-383

This study examined associations between relationship adjustment and symptoms of depression and anxiety in a sample of pregnant women (N = 113) who were at risk for perinatal depression. Results revealed that (a) relationship adjustment was associated with both depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms; (b) relationship adjustment was predictive of subsequent anxiety symptoms but not subsequent depressive symptoms; and (c) depressive symptoms were predictive of subsequent relationship adjustment.

Leddy, M. et al. (2011). Postpartum mental health screening and diagnosis by obstetrician-gynecologists. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology, 32, 27-34.

This study assessed Obstetrician–gynecologists’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding diagnosing postpartum depression and psychosis via self-report questionnaire. Routine screening for postpartum depression and psychosis is conducted by 72% and 30% of respondents, respectively. In responding to standardised vignettes, physicians were more likely to over-diagnose, than under diagnose.

Henrichs, J. et al. (2011). Parental family stress during pregnancy and cognitive functioning in early childhood: The generation r study. Early Childhood Research Quarterly.

This study investigated whether parental family stress during pregnancy is associated with cognitive functioning in early childhood (n=3139). High levels of parental family stress during pregnancy were associated with poor nonverbal cognitive development of children at age 2.

Wenzel, A. (2010). Anxiety in childbearing women: Diagnosis and treatment. Washington DC: American Psychological Association.

This comprehensive book describes the various ways in which perinatal anxiety is expressed in women, as well as approaches for assessment and treatment.

Murray, L. et al. (2010) Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry, 51, 1150-9.

This study followed-up children of postnatally depressed mothers at 16 years of age and found that the adverse effects of PND on male infants' cognitive functioning may persist through development. PND had continuing negative effects on maternal interactions through childhood, and these also contributed to poorer school performance.


Doyle, L.W.; & Anderson, P.J. (2010). Adult outcome of extremely preterm infants. Pediatrics, 126, 342-51.

Survival rates for extremely preterm (<28 weeks' gestational age) infants have increased and are approaching 3 in 4 with the advent of modern perinatal and neonatal intensive care. Most survivors of extreme prematurity have no ongoing health issues. However, as a group, they do have higher rates of adverse health outcomes.


Wee, K. Y., et al. (2010). Correlates of ante- and postnatal depression in fathers: A systematic review. Journal of Affective Disorders.

This systematic review of the literature found that the most common correlate of paternal depressive symptoms pre- and post birth was having a partner with elevated depressive symptoms or depression; poor relationship satisfaction was also frequently associated with elevated depressive symptoms or depression in men.