2025, Vol. 8, Issue 2, Part B

author(s)
Arlimatti Dafiya

abstract
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are common, under-diagnosed conditions that substantially affect maternal functioning, infant outcomes, and family well-being. This comprehensive review synthesizes quantitative, qualitative and implementation evidence on (1) women’s lived experiences of PMADs and help-seeking, and (2) the role of obstetric/gynecologic (OBG) nurses in identification, support and care coordination. We searched major databases, guideline repositories and grey literature (2000-2025) and integrated findings from prevalence studies, randomized and quasi-experimental evaluations, task-sharing trials, qualitative syntheses, and service-level implementation reports. Women frequently normalize symptoms, fear stigma and potential child-welfare consequences, and report that disclosure is strongly influenced by relational quality and continuity with clinicians. Screening instruments (EPDS, PHQ-9, GAD-7) perform well when embedded in clear referral pathways but are variably implemented in practice. Evidence supports nurse-delivered psychoeducation, brief supportive interventions, and task-shared structured therapies (CBT/IPT/behavioral activation) where nurses receive training and supervision; collaborative-care and stepped-care models with nurse care-coordination improve treatment uptake and outcomes. Major barriers are workforce training gaps, time pressures, limited specialist referral capacity, and cultural/language mismatch; facilitators include leadership support, co-designed pathways, digital tools, and community/peer supports. Equity-focused adaptations and culturally competent approaches are essential for migrant, refugee and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. We conclude that OBG nurses are pivotal to reducing the PMAD treatment gap, but impact requires investment in education, supervision, integrated care pathways and risk-management protocols. Priority research areas include pragmatic trials of nurse-led models, implementation science studies for scale-up, and longitudinal impacts on child outcomes.