Perinatal depression is an incapacitating condition, associated with negative outcomes for both the mother and the child. It is perceived as a significant health concern, both in the high income and low to middle income countries (LAMIC). In this commentary, we investigated the potential effectiveness of task-shifting based psychosocial interventions targeting perinatal depression, moderate its antagonistic maternal and pediatric consequences and be effectively incorporated in poorly resourced health frameworks in LAMIC. Many multiphasic and task-shifting interventions including CBT, psychoeducation, interpersonal and exercise-based therapies were reviewed and were found to have a positive impact on perinatal depression. Such interventions are also cost effective and can become part of the management plan for a mother suffering from perinatal depression and lacking access to specialist care.
PSYCHOSOCIAL INTERVENTIONS FOR PERINATAL DEPRESSION IN LOW AND MIDDLE INCOME COUNTRIES