ER Screening for Women at Risk of Postpartum Depression Yields Results

An experienced emergency room physician, Dr. Zachary Lutsky most recently served in the Emergency Department of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. As part of his work, Dr. Zachary Lutsky remains apprised of developments in the emergency medicine field.

There are several challenges when it comes to diagnosing and treating postpartum depression, especially given the stigma that still surrounds the illness. One of the approaches that is gaining traction, however, is the use of emergency departments as safe spaces for mothers in these situations.

Recent research surrounding postpartum depression screenings in the ER led to the development of several treatment interventions within emergency departments, including connection with a trained social worker. Those who were shown to be a greater risk were also connected to clinical professionals such as psychiatrists. When later interviewed, the women who participated in the research overwhelmingly rated their screening experience as positive and pointed to it as an important part of their postpartum care.