title: Current considerations of the effects of untreated maternal perinatal depression and the National Perinatal Depression Initiative.
abstract: Postnatal and antenatal depression present significant public health concerns. Current opinion on the use of these terms is noted. Previous research findings demonstrate that detrimental effects of untreated maternal depression/anxiety are potentially severe and impact on the whole family; longer-term effects on child development are described. Australia has responded to such overwhelming empirical evidence by the implementation of the National Perinatal Depression Initiative. Key objectives and a brief overview of the work in progress of this Initiative are offered.
authors.affiliation: SAHealth, National Perinatal Depression Initiative, South Australia.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hall