Recent perinatal mental health trials in Japan

Abstract

According to domestic and foreign surveys, it was found that maternal suicide frequency was high. Especially according to the survey of 23 wards of Tokyo, the suicide rate of perinatal women was much higher internationally. On the other hand, from the UK large cohort studies, some significant relationships between the depression and anxiety of pregnant women and behavioural/emotional problems of children were revealed. In response to these evidence, the following new movements for perinatal mental health were noted in Japan. 1) The latest guideline of obstetrics and gynecology related academic society clearly stated the methods of early detection of mental illness during pregnancy checkup. 2) The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare presented a screening system for postpartum depression at the regular medical checkups after childbirth (two weeks & 1 month). For municipal government, they mentioned the task of early detection of postpartum mental illness and strengthening of cooperation with the regional liaison system for appropriate care. 3) In 2017, the new strategy for postnatal depression described in “the comprehensive measures to prevent suicide”.