RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) affect many NICU parents and are a significant risk factor for maternal suicide. Lack of screening and treatment interferes with infant development and bonding, compounding risks in fragile infants. We aim to describe PMAD screening in level IV NICUs across the Children's Hospitals Neonatal Consortium (CHNC) and to determine the relationship between standardized screening and mental health professionals (MHPs) presence. STUDY DESIGN: We surveyed experts at 44 CHNC NICUs about PMADs screening practices and presence of NICU-specific MHPs. Kruskal Wallis test was used to examine relationships. RESULTS: Of 44 centers, 34 (77%) responded. 14 centers (41%) perform screening with validated tools. 13 (38%) centers have NICU-dedicated psychologists. Formally-screening centers tend to have higher cumulative MHPs (p=0.089) than informally screening centers. Repeat screening practices were highly variable with no difference in the number of cumulative MHPs. CONCLUSION: Screening practices for PMADs vary across CHNC centers; less than half have additional MHPs beyond social workers. Creating a sustainable model to detect PMADs likely requires more MHPs in NICUs.
