Office of Primary Care and Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Program

Pediatric psychiatrist Sarah Guth, M.D., associate professor of psychiatry

(FEBRUARY 15, 2023) Pediatric psychiatrist Sarah Guth, M.D., associate professor of psychiatry, was interviewed on WCAX-TV for a story on postpartum depression (which medical professionals now call “perinatal mood and anxiety disorder”).

Postpartum depression causes many new mothers to feel overwhelmed and makes it difficult to find pleasure in everyday activities and bonding with their children. It can include feelings of confusion, racing thoughts, trouble sleeping, and negative thoughts about yourself as a parent.

“It was one in five before the pandemic. Some people say it’s as much as one in three now — since the pandemic — since there has been a lot of isolation in those early weeks following delivery. I think it’s getting better, so I would say about one in four,” Guth said. Pediatric offices in some states, including Vermont, she says, have dedicated time to screen mothers for postpartum depression. The recommended screenings usually take place at the child’s one, two, and six-month visits. Officials use the data to better help parents get the support they need.