South Middlesex Times

A recent study conducted by Rutgers Health has found that perinatal depressive symptoms in new mothers are linked to higher emergency room visits for their infants. The research, published in Health Affairs, highlights the impact of perinatal mental health conditions on infants' healthcare utilization in the first year of life.

Slawa Rokicki, an assistant professor at the Rutgers School of Public Health, led the study and emphasized the implications for Medicaid beneficiaries. Rokicki stated, "The large disparities among Medicaid beneficiaries suggest opportunities for that program to optimize screening and referrals for perinatal depression, with potential cost-saving benefits in reducing nonemergency pediatric emergency department visits."

The findings underscore the importance of early detection and support for individuals at risk of postpartum depression. Rokicki highlighted, "This is critical because postpartum people often face multiple barriers to postpartum care and most people with perinatal mental health conditions are not diagnosed."

Moreover, the study suggests that universal screening of perinatal individuals at delivery could help identify those vulnerable to postpartum depression. Rokicki stressed the need for routine screenings in emergency departments to connect individuals with mental health resources, noting, "We know from prior research that postpartum depression screenings in pediatric emergency departments are feasible."

Rokicki also emphasized the importance of patient-centered approaches in emergency department screenings, especially for socially vulnerable populations. The study's results indicate a potential for improving healthcare outcomes for infants by addressing perinatal mental health conditions in mothers.