Can a New AI-Based Blood Test Screen for Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression affects one in seven mothers, according to statistics from the NIH that were cited in Tatum Hunter’s article in The Washington Post. Given the prevalence of this problem, the news that Dionysus Digital Health has developed a blood test that uses AI to diagnose this condition is timely.

Peer reviews are promising, and clinical trials are currently taking place to validate the test’s efficacy. Nevertheless, approval is in its early stages, and Dionysus Digital Health has its work cut out. The goal is to provide an accurate test that is widely available and paid for by insurance.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Currently, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggests screening for postpartum depression in the months leading up to and after delivery. However, the reality is that not all healthcare providers follow this recommendation. Further exacerbating the problem is the fact that even if a mother or mother-to-be is diagnosed, treatment and support options are not always available or accessible. Opportunities for screening and support are even more limited for low-income women and women of color.

This AI test is promising. Developers believe that if given between the second and third trimesters, it can “flag” women who are “at higher risk of postpartum depression and other perinatal mood disorders.” Once flagged, the hope is that these women would get preventive care and treatment as necessary.

Two Big Questions

The first question is, can this test identify postpartum depression? According to those developing this product, the answer is a resounding yes. “The test uses machine learning to compare epigenetics —how genes are expressed— in a blood sample with benchmarks developed during a decade of research into pregnant people who did and didn’t develop postpartum depression.”

One concern, however, is that the test has no way to consider environmental factors that tend to trigger postpartum depression. In other words, the test may flag a mother who may be genetically “predisposed” to a mood disorder, but that does not necessarily mean the mother will develop symptoms.

The second question is, will insurance companies cover the cost of the test? That depends. According to researchers, pregnancy-related mental health issues “cost $14 billion each year in lost wages and extra expenses.” Therefore, identifying potential problems early could save insurance companies money, encouraging insurance companies to cover the test. At the same time, however, treatment means that patients will be seeking additional services, which also cost money (unless these treatments are not covered). Furthermore, if the test becomes available but is not covered, then it could make maternal care even more inequitable than it already is.

Looking Ahead

There are many potential benefits to having a test that can accurately identify a pregnant mother’s potential risk for postpartum depression. Preventative care could help patients avoid hospitalization, job loss, or even suicide, in turn saving healthcare systems plenty of money as well. A healthy mother only increases the chances of a healthy child.

Regardless of whether this test becomes a reality, the discussion surrounding this test underscores the need for healthcare systems and providers to not only improve their commitment to diagnosing postpartum depression with whatever means they have at their disposal but also to ensure that mothers who are suffering have access to the care they need to treat their illness.

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If you or someone you love has suffered from a birth injury, contact our experienced Ohio birth injury lawyers to discuss your options for legal recourse and for obtaining the compensation you deserve. To schedule your free consultation, call or contact us online today.