Perinatal Depression Coalition

The Perinatal Depression Coalition continues to be one of the most unique preventive mental health initiatives in the country. The coalition was formed in 2004, made up of psychiatrists, college and day care administrators, nurses, social workers, and representatives of the hospital. The group started with a goal to ensure that every new mother would be screened for depression. The coalition focuses on the problems that women have during and after pregnancy (perinatal psychiatric disorders, PPD). These mental problems are the single most frequent serious complication of pregnancy. 20% of pregnant women and new mothers will suffer from it each year. This is a high percentage of a devastating illness for a mother, causing serious damage to her newborn baby, her personal relationships, and other children in the family. If perinatal depression is not treated, it can become a chronic lifetime mental problem. Nationally, fewer than 15% of these women get any care whatsoever.

In collaboration with Dr. Ralph Wittenberg, the Medical Director of the Family Mental Health Institute in Washington, a comprehensive program of depression screening was developed for the whole Eastern Shore. A screening test identifies over 90% of the cases and has been made a part of routine care by several concerned pediatricians.

Over a period of two years, educational presentations were made at grand rounds for the medical staff in three major hospital systems, community college classes for nurses and social workers, and talks for the general public, which attracted students from the Department of Psychology at Washington College.

Presentations continue at medical dinner meetings to primary care physicians, including obstetricians and pediatricians, on how to successfully administer medication to these patients. Coffee Breaks for Moms-Dads was developed for mothers with an emphasis on bonding with newborns, but its real purpose was to provide a forum where women felt free to talk about any problems which they are experiencing. When a combination of medication and talk therapy is successful, over 90% of the mothers recover. If this occurs during the first year of the baby's life, all of the adverse effects will be reversed.

What makes this program particularly special is that the Eastern Shore is a rural area. Rural areas are generally medically underserved in this is particularly true in the area of mental health.

Dr. Diana Cheng, the Director of Women's Health for the Maryland Health Department, has been aware of and participated in this program.

The Perinatal Depression Coalition meets monthly in Easton, under the sponsorship of the Mental Health Association in Talbot County. This program affects not only the families involved, but makes a very positive contribution to the community.

To learn more about the Perinatal Depression Coalition or if you would like to obtain an information packet about PPD contact Tina Mills at 410-822-0444.