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Pediatricians encouraged to screen new mothers for depression

Screening new mothers for perinatal and postpartum depression could help prevent developmental and mental health problems in children, according to a new American Academy of Pediatrics clinical report.

The report, published online Oct. 25 in Pediatrics, recommends that pediatricians hold at least one prenatal visit to identify signs of depression in a pregnant woman. After the baby's birth, physicians should screen mothers periodically when they bring their children for medical visits (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20974776).

The AAP does not specify how long screening should continue, but says it should occur for at least the first six months after the child's birth. The academy suggests that pediatricians use the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale or the general two-question screen for depression. When an issue is identified, pediatricians can refer the woman to her obstetrician, primary care physician or to a mental health professional, the AAP said. In milder cases, pediatricians can educate mothers on postpartum depression.

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Transgender patients report bias, harassment

One in five transgender patients has been refused medical care due to their status, according to a survey of 7,000 Americans released in October by the National Center for Transgender Equality and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.

More than a quarter of respondents said they were subjected to harassment in health care settings because of their gender status, and 50% said their physicians did not have adequate training or experience in dealing with transgender-related health issues.

In 2007, the American Medical Association modified its policies to specifically prohibit discrimination against transgender physicians, medical students and patients.

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$30 million Harvard center dedicated to primary care

Harvard Medical School announced Oct. 28 the creation of a $30 million center dedicated to transforming primary care worldwide. "This new center will more effectively position HMS to develop programs and train leaders in primary care and health systems research, education and policy," said Jeffrey Flier, MD, the school's dean.

A variety of services will be offered, including research support, training and medical student guidance. The center will be housed in existing facilities, and include virtual access for those interested in primary care around the globe.

The effort is being funded by an anonymous gift and is the result of a year's work by a Harvard advisory group and Primary Care Progress, a nonprofit that hosted town hall meetings to discuss primary care at Harvard. The center's creation is encouraging "at a time when America faces a daunting primary care work force shortage," according to a statement by internist Andrew Morris-Singer, MD, founder of Primary Care Progress.

The print version of this content appeared in the Nov. 15 issue of American Medical News.

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