Laxmi Gannu, MS, notes PPD screening gaps and adverse outcomes

In a recent interview with Contemporary OB/GYN, Laxmi Gannu, MS, senior manager real world evidence at Sage Therapeutics, discussed key findings from a study examining health care providers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding postpartum depression (PPD) screening and treatment.^1,2

The study aimed to identify potential gaps in the screening and care process for PPD by surveying providers who work directly with postpartum women. While the majority of providers surveyed were aware of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines and had received formal training on PPD, the study revealed significant discrepancies between awareness and actual clinical practice.

Gannu noted that although approximately 90% of providers reported having a screening protocol in place at their practice, only 80% said these protocols were consistently followed. Furthermore, while many providers claimed to refer women with PPD to mental health services, only approximately half confirmed that those referrals were routinely carried out. These inconsistencies suggest that a notable proportion of postpartum women may not receive the mental health screening or follow-up care they need, leading to missed diagnoses and worsening outcomes.

The study also explored the impact of moderate to severe PPD on patients. Despite the fact that over 85% of patients with moderate to severe PPD were using at least one form of treatment, such as therapy or medication, improvements in symptom severity over time were minimal. Using tools such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and quality-of-life measures such as the SF-36, the study found that changes in depression scores from baseline were typically below the threshold considered clinically meaningful. While physical health scores remained close to population norms, mental health scores were significantly lower, indicating that women with PPD suffer from considerable impairment in mental well-being and overall functioning.

To address these challenges, Gannu emphasized the need for better adherence to screening and referral protocols, improved care coordination, and ongoing provider education. Enhancing these areas could lead to more consistent identification of PPD and more effective follow-up care, ultimately improving outcomes for affected mothers and their children. Dr. Gannu concluded by highlighting the urgency for faster and more effective intervention, particularly for women with moderate to severe symptoms who remain at high risk for prolonged suffering and complications.

Disclosure:

Sage Therapeutics

References:

1. Gannu L, Witte M, Song Y, Greene T, Camperlengo L, Maximos B. Healthcare providers’ knowledge and practices for postpartum depression acreening: Results from the Junonia study. Presented at: 2025 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Annual Clinical and Scientific Meeting. May 16-18, 2025. Minneapolis, Minnesota.

2. Gannu L, Witte M, Sonh Y, Greene T, Camperlengo L, Maximos B. Persistent impairment in functioning in women with moderate-to-severe symptoms of postpartum depression: Month 3 results from the Junonia study. Presented at: 2025 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Annual Clinical and Scientific Meeting. May 16-18, 2025. Minneapolis, Minnesota.