Mental health issues are the most common complication during the perinatal period. At least one in five women will experience mental health issues during this time, with some populations being more at risk than others. Not only does this cause significant morbidity, but it is also one of the most frequent underlying causes of pregnancy-related death, accounting for more than 22 percent of maternal deaths according to the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. There is wide consensus that repeated screening should take place both during pregnancy and in the first year postpartum. However, recent data from the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set showed 2021 screening rates during pregnancy were only 16 percent and nine percent for Medicaid patients and private insurance patients, respectively, and 17 percent and 11 percent in the postpartum period. In addition, it is estimated that fewer than 20 percent of those with mental health issues are treated for it, although numerous effective treatment methods are available. In this breakout session, attendees gained a deeper understanding of the scope of this issue, significant barriers for screening and treatment, possible solutions and options for comparative clinical effectiveness research.
