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Strengthen the Evidence for Maternal and Child Health Programs

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Items in this list may be obtained from the sources cited. Contact information reflects the most current data about the source that has been provided to the MCH Digital Library.

Displaying records 1 through 20 (26 total).

National Institute of Mental Health. n.d.. Teen depression: More than just moodiness. Bethesda, MD: National Institute of Mental Health, 1 pp. (NIMH Identification No. OM 22-4321)

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. n.d.. Moms' mental health matters: Depression and anxiety around pregnancy. Rockville, MD: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development,

Annotation: This website addresses moms-to-be and new mothers concerning depression and anxiety that occur during pregnancy or anytime during the first year after birth, which are presented as serious medical conditions abd not merely "baby blues." The site defines these conditions and lists common signs and symptoms such as feeling foggy, being unusually irritable, or having scary, upsetting thoughts. It details risk factors (e.g., history of depression, difficult birth, financial problems, lack of support), explains the importance of early treatment for the mother and family, and describes treatment options like counseling and medication. Additionally, the site suggests ways women can support their well-being in addition to treatment, such as connecting with other moms, resting when the baby rests, and asking for help. This resource is available in both English and Spanish.

Keywords: Anxiety, Maternal health, Mental health, Postpartum care, postpartum depression

Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Maternal and Infant Health Program . n.d.. Maternal Mental Health. Salt Lake City, UT: Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Maternal and Infant Health Program ,

Annotation: This web page from the Utah Office of Maternal and Child Health focuses on Maternal Mental Health, explaining that depression and anxiety are the most common complications of childbirth, with 1 in 8 Utah women affected by postpartum depression. It describes how perinatal mental health encompasses conditions such depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and psychosis that can occur anytime during pregnancy through one year postpartum. The site lists common signs of these conditions, such as feeling angry or irritable, experiencing scary thoughts, and feeling immense sadness, and identifies risk factors like complicated pregnancy, traumatic birth, and experiences of racism and discrimination. Emphasizing that mood disorders are treatable, the site provides help via the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and offers a free, downloadable maternal mental health resource available in multiple languages, including English and Spanish, in addition to listing the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline and a link to the Maternal Mental Health Referral Network.

Keywords: Anxiety, Behavioral medicine, Depression, Maternal health, Mental health, Postpartum depression, Postpartum psychosis, Pregnancy, Therapeutics

U.S. Maternal and Child Health Bureau . n.d. National Maternal Mental Health Hotline. Rockville, MD: U.S. Maternal and Child Health Bureau,

Annotation: This website describes the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA), a free, confidential resource available 24/7 to pregnant women and new parents, as well as their partners and family. The Hotline, accessible by text or call, provides support for individuals feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or exhibiting common signs of postpartum depression, such as feeling sad, having trouble focusing, or changes in eating/sleeping. Trained professional counselors (who may be licensed health care professionals, certified educators, or specialists) listen to what users are going through, connect them with local support groups and organizations, and refer them to other health care professionals if more care is needed. While the service is available in English and Spanish, interpreters can also support over 60 additional languages, including Arabic, Creole, French, German, Italian, Hebrew, Hmong, Mandarin, Polish, Portuguese, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.

Keywords: Anxiety, Depression, Hotlines, Maternal health, Mental health, Postpartum care, Postpartum depression, Prental care, Telehealth

U.S. Office on Women's Health . 2026. Talking postpartum depression . ,

Annotation: This website for pregnant and new mothers provides guidance on recognizing and healing from postpartum depression. It describes symptoms of the condition, such as feeling anxious or disconnected from one's baby, and highlights access to 24/7 confidential support services. The site features a collection of videos where mothers with postpartum depression share their personal journeys and discuss the support systems that aided their recovery. Additional resources include a detailed fact sheet and tips for supporting others, and the site offers language assistance in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Haitian Creole, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese

Keywords: Anxiety, Non English language materials, Patient Education, Postpartum depression

VCUHealth. 2025. Beyond baby blues. Richmond, VA: VCUHealth , 8 pp.

Annotation: This guide from VCU Health provides information and resources for women experiencing perinatal depression and anxiety. It notes that while many women experience mild "baby blues," 15 to 20 percent develop more serious conditions such as depression, anxiety, low mood, obsessive-compulsive thoughts, or psychosis. The document lists potential symptoms and emphasizes the importance of seeking help from healthcare providers. It includes an extensive resource guide with crisis hotlines, local support services, online resources, and support groups for mothers and fathers/partners. The guide also provides information on home support services, grief and loss resources, support for military families, and intensive inpatient treatment centers. Additionally, it suggests relevant books and videos featuring personal stories of women who have experienced and recovered from perinatal depression and anxiety.

Keywords: Anxiety, Maternal health, Mental health, Patient education, Postpartum depression

Vermont Department of Health . 2025. Support delivered: Perinatal mood and anxiety Info & resources. Burlington, VT: Vermont Department of Health,

Annotation: This online resource functions as both an education and awareness campaign and an umbrella of coordinated supports and services for Vermonters experiencing Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). The resource emphasizes that PMADs are the leading complication of childbirth, affecting about 1 in 4 pregnant or postpartum Vermonters, and notes that these disorders are common and treatable. For immediate support, the site provides contacts for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA). It also connects expecting and new families to mental health clinicians and community services via Help Me Grow Vermont and lists additional support from Postpartum Support International (PSI) and Designated Mental Health Agencies. The resource includes translated PMADs information sheets and Help Me Grow cards available in multiple languages, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, and Spanish

Keywords: Anxiety, Campaigns, Depression, Mental health, Mood disorders, Patient education, Perinatal care, Postpartum care, Vermont

March of Dimes. [2024]. Postpartum anxiety mindfulness exercises. Arlington, VA: March of Dimes, 1 pp.

Annotation: This infographic provides mindfulness exercises for individuals with postpartum anxiety to help manage stress and negative thoughts after childbirth. It describes simple techniques such as focusing on breathing and using the senses to stay present, as well as structured practices like body scan, walking, and sitting meditations. The resource encourages daily practice to achieve greater calm and balance and emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help for anxiety symptoms.

Keywords: Anxiety, Mental health, Patient education materials, Postpartum care

Viswanathan M, Wallace I, Cook Middleton J, Kennedy SM, McKeeman J, Hudson K, Rains C, Vander Schaaf EB, Kahwati L. 2022. Screening for depression, anxiety, and suicide risk in children and adolescents: An evidence review for the U.S. Preventive Task Force . Rockville, MD: U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 547 pp. (Evidence Synthesis 2021; AHRQ Publication No. 22-05293-EF-1)

Annotation: This review examines the research evidence on the benefits and harms of screening, accuracy of screening, and benefits and harms of treatment for suicide risk, anxiety, and depression in children and adolescents. Intended to help healthcare decision makers (patients and clinicians, health system leaders, policy makers, and others) make well-informed decisions, the review is based on research conducted by the RTI International--University of North Carolina Evidence-based Practice Center under contract by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality AHRQ).

Keywords: Adolescents, Anxiety, Children, Depression, Mental health, Quality assurance , Research reviews, Screening, Suicide

National Council for Mental Wellbeing. 2022. Relationship between oral health, mental health, and substance use challenges: Selected examples. Washington, DC: National Council for Mental Wellbeing, 1 p.

Annotation: This table provides examples of the relationship between oral health and mental health problems and substance use. It addresses the relationship between oral health and mental health problems (i.e., anxiety, bipolar and obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, eating disorders, issues related to trauma). It also addresses the relationship between oral health and use of substances such as cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, and opioids, as well as the relationship between oral health and substance-use-disorder treatment medications. The impact of oral health problems on mental health problems and substance use is also examined.

Keywords: Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Compulsive behavior, Depression, Eating disorders, Emotional trauma, Mental health, Oral health, Substance abuse

Postpartum Support Virginia. 2020. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders: Signs and symptoms of anxiety. Fredericksburg, VA: Postpartum Support Virginia, 13:00:00

Annotation: This fact sheet from Postpartum Support Virginia provides an overview of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, which it says affect 1 in 5 women during pregnancy or the first year postpartum. It describes the signs and symptoms of four main types of anxiety: obsessions (intrusive thoughts or images), compulsions (repetitive behaviors to reduce stress), post-traumatic stress (which can occur after traumatic experiences), and panic attacks (sudden, intense rush of fear). The document lists specific symptoms for each type of anxiety, such as checking, washing, and avoidance for compulsions; intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and flashbacks for post-traumatic stress; and racing heart, dizziness, and fear of dying from panic attacks. It also defines worry as catastrophic thinking about the future beyond normal worry, with physical symptoms like fatigue, irritability, and insomnia. The fact sheet emphasizes that women experiencing these disorders are not alone, are not to blame, and will recover.

Keywords: Anxiety, Mood disorders, Patient education, Perinatal health, Postpartum care

Luca, DL, Garlow N, Staatz C. 2019 . Societal costs of untreated perinatal mood and anxiety disorders in the United States. . Princeton, NJ: Mathematica , 4 pp.

Annotation: This issue brief examines the societal costs of untreated perinatal mood and anxiety disorders in the United States using a mathematical model to estimate the economic burden for births occurring in 2017. It follows the mother-child pair from pregnancy through five years postpartum, analyzing outcomes such as maternal productivity loss, increased use of public sector services, and higher health care expenditures for both mothers and children. The document describes the impact of untreated conditions on health risks such as preterm birth, maternal suicide, and behavioral or developmental disorders in children. Substantial discussion is included regarding the cost-of-illness methodology used to synthesize existing literature and secondary data, as well as recommendations from medical societies for consistent screening and accessible treatment options.

Keywords: Anxiety, Costs, Economic factors, Mental health, Mood disorders, Perinatal health, Social factors

Community Preventive Services Task Force. 2019. Mental health: Universal school-based cognitive behavioral therapy programs to reduce depression and anxiety symptoms. Atlanta, GA: Community Preventive Services Task Force, multiple items

Annotation: This website summarizes recommendations from the Community Preventive Services Task Force on using universal school-based cognitive behavioral therapy programs to prevent or reduce depression and anxiety symptoms among school-aged children and adolescents. Universal school-based cognitive behavioral therapy programs to prevent or reduce depression and anxiety symptoms are delivered to all students, regardless of the presence or absence of mental health conditions. This online resource provides information from a systematic review that included 81 studies (through 2015) that examined school-based cognitive behavioral programs; the website also gives background information on depression and anxiety among children and adolescents; it also provides links for supporting materials.

Keywords: Adolescent mental health, Anxiety, Child mental health, Depression, School based programs

C. S. Mott Children's Hospital, National Poll on Children's Health. 2018. Delayed start to dental visits: Parents need provider prompt. Ann Arbor, MI: C. S. Mott Children's Hospital, National Poll on Children's Health, 2 pp. (Mott Poll Report 31(2). February 19, 2018)

Annotation: This report provides information from the C. S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health, which asked parents of children from birth to age 5 about their beliefs and experiences related to when to start dental visits. The report summarizes responses, provides report highlights, and presents information on (1) the responses of parents whose child’s physician suggested an age to start dental visits or who received such a suggestion from a dentists and (2) the responses of parents who did not receive such a suggestion from the physician or a dentist.

Keywords: , Dental anxiety, Oral health, Oral health care, Prevention, Statistical data, Surveys, Young children

Thompson RA, Haskins R. 2014. Early stress gets under the skin: Promising initiatives to help children facing chronic adversity. Princeton, NJ: Future of Children, 7 pp. (Policy brief; Spring 2014.)

Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University and Brookings Institution. 2013. Military children and families. Princeton, NJ: Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs; Washington, DC: Brookings Institution, 2 items. (The future of children; v. 23, no. 2, Fall 2013)

Annotation: This issue of The Future of Children explores subjects related to children and families of members of the U.S. military. Topics include economic conditions of families, children from birth through age 5, child care and other support programs, resilience among adolescents, how wartime military service affects children and families, how children are affected when a parent is injured or killed in combat, building communities of care, and recommendations for data and measurement. An executive summary and policy brief are also available.

Keywords: Anxiety, Children, Families, Family support services, Military, Parent child relations, Resilience, Socioeconomic factors

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 2011- . Premenstrual syndrome. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, (Gynecologic problems)

Annotation: This pamphlet about premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which is intended for consumers, explains the effects of PMS; conditions that mimic PMS; and treatments, including self-medications. An example of a symptoms record to help determine what type of treatment is best is included. The pamphlet also contains a glossary of terms. The brochure is also available in Spanish.

Keywords: Anxiety, Chronic fatigue syndrome, Consumer education materials, Depression, Mental health, PMS, Prevention, Reproductive health, Spanish language materials, Treatment, Women's health

National Scientific Council on the Developing Child. 2010. Persistent fear and anxiety can affect young children's early learning and development. Cambridge, MA: National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, 13 pp. (Working paper no. 9)

Annotation: This working paper focuses on how early exposure to circumstances that produce persistent fear and chronic anxiety can have lifelong consequences by disrupting the architecture of the brain and on how to implement interventions to prevent and treat the harmful effects of exposure to extreme, fear-eliciting circumstances. The paper discusses what science tells us, correcting popular misrepresentations of science, the science-policy gap, and policy implications.

Keywords: Anxiety, Behavior disorders, Behavior problems, Child abuse, Child maltreatment, Early childhood development, Emotional development, Intervention, Mental disorders, Mental health, Prevention, Public policy, Research, Treatment, Young children

National Institute of Mental Health. 2009. Treatment of children with mental illness: Frequently asked questions about the treatment of mental illness in children. [Rev. ed.]. Bethesda, MD: National Institute of Mental Health, 6 pp.

Annotation: This fact sheet, which is geared toward parents, addresses common questions about diagnosis and treatment options for children with mental illnesses, including anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, bipolar disorders, depression, eating disorders, and schizophrenia. A list of resources for more information is included.

Keywords: Anxiety, Attention deficit disorder, Autism, Bipolar disorder, Child health, Child health, Depression, Depression, Diagnosis, Eating disorders, Mental disorders, Mental health, Schizophrenic disorders, Treatment

Mbwanna K, Terzian M, Moore KA. 2009. What works for parent involvement programs for children: Lessons from experimental evaluations of social interventions. Washington, DC: Child Trends, 20 pp. (Fact sheet)

Annotation: This fact sheet synthesizes findings from 67 evaluations of parent-involvement interventions for children ages 6-11 to identify components and strategies associated with successful programs and interventions. Programs sought to engage parents in efforts to achieve outcomes for their child such as academic achievement or attendance, a reduction in internalizing behaviors such as depression or anxiety and of externalizing behaviors such as aggression, avoidance of substance abuse, avoidance of risky sexual behavior, and achieving health and fitness. The fact sheet presents lessons learned from programs that work, don't work, or have mixed results.

Keywords: Academic achievement, Anxiety, Child behavior, Child health, Children, Depression, Intervention, Mental health, Model programs, Parent child relations, Parents, Prevention, Program evaluation, Programs, Sexual behavior, Substance abuse
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The MCH Library is one of six special collections at Georgetown University, the nation's oldest Jesuit institution of higher education. The library is supported through foundation, private, university, state, and federal funding. This information or content and conclusions are those of the authors and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by Georgetown University or the U.S. Government. Note: web pages whose development was supported by federal government grants are being reviewed to comply with applicable Executive Orders.