A new study published in the medical journal Pediatrics finds that maternal depression is "prevalent", affecting approximately 12 percent of mothers in their sample (which included over 200 families whose children are patients at a pediatric practice).

Their recommendation for pediatricians and pediatric nurses, who are on the front lines, as among the first health professionals with the opportunity to recognize and refer parents who are suffering: "A very brief screen can identify reasonably those who can benefit from additional evaluation and possible treatment," noting that being proactive in this effort will "benefit mothers, families, and children."

The simple, quick-to-implement screening tools used by pediatricians in this study? Including 2 questions about emotional/mental health on the standard new-patient questionnaire, and utilizing the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI).