USPSTF Recommends Counseling to Prevent Perinatal Depression

FRIDAY, April 25, 2025 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends counseling for women at increased risk for perinatal depression (PND). This recommendation forms the basis of a draft recommendation statement published online April 22.

Researchers from the USPSTF reviewed the benefits and harms of primary care-relevant interventions to prevent PND to update the 2019 USPSTF recommendations. Seventy-five trials were identified, with 30,842 participants. Regardless of inclusion criteria, most trials recruited women at increased risk for PND, as reflected in higher event rates in the control groups than current U.S. estimates for PND. The researchers found that counseling was the most widely studied intervention and demonstrated the most consistent benefit in depression incidence and changes in depression symptoms. There were 27 trials of behavioral counseling interventions (6,583 participants), most commonly based on cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy; these trials demonstrated a 17 percent lower risk for depression at longest follow-up. Twelve trials involving 11,415 participants demonstrated a 21 percent reduction in depression incidence with educational interventions, but there was no difference in the standardized mean difference in change in depression symptoms.

Based on these findings, the USPSTF recommends that clinicians provide or refer those at increased PND risk for counseling interventions during pregnancy and the postpartum period (B recommendation).

The draft recommendation statement and evidence review have been posted for public comment. Comments can be submitted from April 22 through May 19, 2025.

Draft Evidence Review

Draft Recommendation Statement

Comment on Recommendation Statement