Primary Care Pediatricians' Roles and Perceived Responsibilities in the Identification and Management of Maternal Depression

Postpartum and maternal depression can have serious consequences for mothers and their children. But a recent study finds that a majority of pediatricians in the United States lack confidence in their ability to detect the illness&#8212and barely more than half even consider it their responsibility to do so.

The study, "Primary Care Pediatricians' Roles and Perceived Responsibilities in the Identification and Management of Maternal Depression" (Pediatrics, Dec. 2002), is the first to explore pediatricians' attitudes and approaches toward maternal depression. Conducted with support from The Commonwealth Fund, the study was based on a national survey of 508 primary care pediatricians, who were asked about their roles in recognizing and treating depression, methods for identifying and managing the condition, and confidence in diagnosing it.