Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-2025
Identifier
DOI: 10.1038/s41372-024-02187-9; PMCID: PMC12144238
Abstract
This article reviews the psychological distress experienced by NICU families, including anxiety, postpartum depression (PPD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), in addition to providing recommendations for clinicians at the individual, institutional, and national level. Currently, mental health screenings, specialized evaluations, and treatment options are not routinely offered to NICU families and are frequently under-utilized when offered. Here we provide expert opinion recommendations to address challenges in supporting universal screening, offering bedside interventions, including trained mental health professionals in care plans, updating neonatology training competencies, and advocating for policies that support the mental health of NICU families. We advocate that mental health of NICU families be incorporated into the standard of care.
Journal Title
Journal of perinatology : official journal of the California Perinatal Association
Volume
45
Issue
6
First Page
873
Last Page
880
MeSH Keywords
Humans; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; Infant, Newborn; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Female; Depression, Postpartum; Anxiety; Mental Health
PubMed ID
39643695
Keywords
Neonatal Intensive Care Units; Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders; Postpartum Depression; Anxiety; Mental Health
Recommended Citation
Osborne AD, Yasova Barbeau D, Gladdis T, et al. Understanding and addressing mental health challenges of families admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. J Perinatol. 2025;45(6):873-880. doi:10.1038/s41372-024-02187-9
Comments
Grants and funding
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Publisher's Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41372-024-02187-9