Efficacy of an Internet-based depression intervention to improve rates of treatment in adolescent mothers.

Approximately 400,000 adolescents give birth in the USA annually. Although one-half experience depressive symptoms, less than 25% comply with referrals for depression evaluation and treatment. The current study tested the effectiveness of an Internet-based depression intervention on seeking depression treatment. Based upon the theory of planned behavior (TPB), the intervention included vignettes, questions and answers, and resources. Before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and 2 weeks later the adolescent mothers (n = 151) answered questions related to TPB variables and depression treatment. Data were compared to adolescent mothers (n = 138) in the control group. Data were collected in community organizations or home visits for the control group. Adolescent mothers in the intervention group answered questions and completed the intervention from a computer of their choice. The adolescents were primarily African American (89.2%), less than high school educated (51.7%), had given birth in last year (97.1%), with a mean age 18.2 years. The intervention led to significant changes in attitude, perceived control, intention to seek mental health treatment, and actually seeking depression treatment. Untreated postpartum depression dramatically impacts a mother's relationship with her child, her functioning at work and school, health care-seeking behaviors, mothering skills, and her development as well as the development of her child. An Internet-based depression intervention is an inexpensive method to increase rates of depression treatment.

A Web-Based Educational Intervention to Increase Perinatal Nurse and Pre-Licensure Student Knowledge and Self-Efficacy in Providing Postpartum Depression Care.

Perinatal nurses and pre-licensure nursing students may lack knowledge of postpartum depression and appropriate interventions. Nurses and students may also have decreased self-efficacy in assessing for postpartum depression and providing education on this potential complication to new mothers. This project examined the use of a web-based educational module to increase perinatal nurses' and pre-licensure nursing students' knowledge of postpartum depression and postpartum depression interventions. Participants' self-efficacy in assessing for postpartum depression and providing education was measured before and after viewing the module. Results of this study indicate a web-based module can be effective for increasing perinatal nurses' and pre-licensure nursing students' knowledge of postpartum depression interventions and self-efficacy in providing this vital care to new mothers.

Promotion of Maternal-Infant Mental Health and Trauma-Informed Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to disruptions in health care in the perinatal period and women's childbirth experiences. Organizations that represent health care professionals have responded with general practice guidelines for pregnant women, but limited attention has been devoted to mental health in the perinatal period during a pandemic. Evidence suggests that in this context, significant psychological distress may have the potential for long-term psychological harm for mothers and infants. For infants, this risk may extend into early childhood. In this commentary, we present recommendations for practice, research, and policy related to mental health in the perinatal period. These recommendations include the use of a trauma-informed framework to promote social support and infant attachment, use of technology and telehealth, and assessment for mental health needs and experiences of violence.

Conceptual model of research to reduce stigma related to mental disorders in adolescents.

The purpose of this paper was to explicate an initial conceptual model that is amenable to testing and guiding anti-stigma interventions with adolescents. Multidisciplinary research and theoretical articles were reviewed and a conceptual model was developed. The conceptual model can guide anti-stigma interventions and should undergo testing and refinement in the future to reflect scientific advances in stigma reduction among adolescents. Use of a conceptual model enhances empirical evaluation of anti-stigma interventions, yielding a casual explanation for the intervention effects and enhancing clinical applicability of interventions across settings.