Defining Antenatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Antenatal depression and anxiety refer specifically to the manifestation of significant mood or anxiety disturbances that occur during the period of pregnancy, often collectively categorized under the umbrella of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). While public awareness frequently focuses on postpartum depression, the antenatal period represents a critical […]
Introduction and Prevalence of Perinatal Mental Health Disorders Pregnancy represents a period of profound physiological and psychological transformation, traditionally viewed primarily through the lens of physical health and fetal development. However, the mental health of the expectant mother is equally critical, influencing both her well-being and the trajectory of the pregnancy. The period encompassing gestation […]
Introduction to Perinatal Depression and Screening Rationale Perinatal depression (PND), encompassing both antenatal (during pregnancy) and postnatal (after childbirth) periods, represents a significant public health crisis, affecting up to 20% of childbearing individuals globally. The profound consequences of untreated PND extend far beyond the immediate suffering of the parent, impacting infant neurodevelopment, attachment security, and […]