A couples-based approach to preventing perinatal depression and anxiety We deliberately aimed to be inclusive of mothers and fathers in both opposite-sex and same-sex relationships. The current study aimed to identify how we can enhance partner support and relationship satisfaction for both partners in the couple dyad, to reduce men and womenвЂ™s vulnerability to perinatal mood problems. The high prevalence of perinatal depression and anxiety and low rates of help-seeking indicate a need for effective prevention approaches that target all parents. Given the reluctance of some new parents to disclose that they are experiencing mood problems, the prevalence of perinatal distress is likely to be underreported. Depression and anxiety are common among parents during the perinatal period, with meta-analyses indicating that perinatal depression affects 12.9 of mothers and 10.0В % of fathers. Perinatal distress is a significant public health problem that negatively impacts the individual, compromises the partner relationship, and can have significant deleterious effects on the childвЂ™s development. It is hoped that these guidelines will inform the development of perinatal depression and anxiety prevention efforts. This study established consensus between consumers and professionals in order to produce a set of guidelines on how partners can support each other to prevent depression and anxiety during pregnancy and following childbirth. The recommendations were grouped under the following categories: becoming a parent, supporting each other through pregnancy and childbirth, communication, conflict, division of labor, practical support, emotional support, emotional closeness, sexual satisfaction, using alcohol and drugs, encouraging self-care, developing acceptance, and help-seeking. ResultsДЄ total of 214 recommendations on how partners can support each other were endorsed by at least 80В % of both panels as important or essential in reducing the risk of perinatal depression and anxiety. Two panels of experts in perinatal mental health (21 consumer advocates and 39 professionals) participated in a Delphi consensus study to establish how partners can support one another to reduce their risk of developing depression and anxiety during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Prevention efforts aiming to facilitate reciprocal partner support within the couple dyad need to provide specific guidance on how partners can support one another to reduce their vulnerability to perinatal depression and anxiety. Nonetheless, the extant literature is yet to be translated into specific actions that parents can implement. It is therefore a key target for interventions designed to prevent maternal and paternal depression and anxiety. Systematic reviews have established that partner support protects against perinatal mood problems.

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