abuse

The HEADSSS assessment is an internationally recognised tool used to structure the assessment of an adolescent patient, encompassing Home, Education/Employment, Activities, Drugs, Sex and relationships, Self harm and depression, Safety and abuse. The assessment starts with simple and easy questions about life to allow a rapport to be built, before delving into more personal and embarrassing aspects.

The assessment does not necessarily have to be completed in one sitting, it may take multiple conversations to build up the trust for the young person to disclose such personal information to you. Once a HEADSSS assessment is completed, it is important to document your findings in the notes and communicate appropriate information to other members of the healthcare team. Follow through on any offers of help or support you have made.

If concerns about the young person’s safety have been raised, you must explain to them that you need to pass that information on to the relevant agency. Reassure them that the main priority is their safety and establish what they will do in the meantime to help keep themselves safe.

Author/s:

Dr Nicola Martin, Dr Louise Ingram, Adam Bonfield

Pharmacologic Treatment of Perinatal Depression

Megan George — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 19:44:10 +0000

Date Added:

November 21, 2025

Journal/Publication:

JAMA Insights

Publication Date:

November 19, 2025

URL:

Pharmacologic Treatment of Perinatal Depression

Type:

Meta-analyses, Reviews, and Guidelines

Format:

Article

DOI (1):

10.1001/jama.2025.17250

Keywords

Pharmacology

Perinatal Depression

Major Depressive Disorder

abuse

depression

PMID (1):

41259042

A review of the treatment of patients with perinatal depression with an emphasis on pharmalogic therapy. James W. Mold, MD, MPH

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Approximately 1 in 7 individuals are affected by perinatal depression, defined as a depressive episode occurring during pregnancy or within 12 months after delivery. Although the diagnostic criteria are similar to those of major depressive disorder, perinatal depression may also include symptoms such as difficulty forming an emotional attachment with the fetus or infant, persistent doubts about parenting abilities, and intrusive thoughts of harm to self or infant.1 Mental health conditions are leading contributors to maternal mortality in the US; among reporting states, the rate of death from perinatal suicide ranges from 4.2 to 21.4 per 100 000 pregnancies.2 Untreated or undertreated perinatal depression increases other maternal risks, including limited engagement in care, impaired relationships, substance use, preeclampsia, and suicide, as well as fetal or neonatal risks, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and disrupted attachment with long-term developmental consequences.3 Individuals from marginalized communities, such as those who are non–English speaking, uninsured, or geographically isolated, experience a higher prevalence of perinatal depression and are at increased risk of underdiagnosis and undertreatment.3

Risk factors for perinatal depression include a personal or family history of depression, abuse, stressful life events, low socioeconomic status, adolescent or single parenthood, and pregnancy complications, such as preterm birth or pregnancy loss. Each factor individually confers only a small increase in risk, making accurate prediction based on clinical factors challenging.4 Therefore, to facilitate early identification and treatment, universal screening during and after pregnancy is recommended. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recently issued 2 Clinical Practice Guidelines on perinatal mental health, 1 on screening and diagnosis5 and 1 on treatment and management,3 highlighting opportunities for obstetricians to address existing health gaps.

Author/s:

Emily S. Miller, S. Karlene Cunningham, Lauren M. Osborne

Screening for Intimate Partner Violence and Caregiver Abuse of Older or Vulnerable Adults

Hope Smashey — Sat, 05 Jul 2025 18:28:10 +0000

Date Added:

July 5, 2025

Journal/Publication:

JAMA

Publication Date:

June 24, 2025

URL:

Screening for Intimate Partner Violence and Caregiver Abuse of Older or Vulnerable Adults

Type:

Meta-analyses, Reviews, and Guidelines

Format:

Web Page

DOI (1):

10.1001/jama.2025.9009

Keywords

intimate partner violence

abuse

caregiver abuse

Adults

PMID (1):

40553450

MeSH

intimate partner violence

Recommendations from the USPSTF on screening for intimate partner and caregiver violence. James W. Mold, MD, MPH

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IMPORTANCE: Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects millions of US residents across the lifespan and is often unrecognized. Abuse of older or vulnerable adults by a caregiver or someone else they may trust is common and can result in significant injury, death, and long-term adverse health consequences.
OBJECTIVE: The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) commissioned a systematic review to evaluate the benefits and harms of screening for IPV, abuse of older adults, and abuse of vulnerable adults.
POPULATION: The recommendation on screening for IPV applies to adolescents and adults who are pregnant or postpartum, and women of reproductive age. The recommendation on screening in older and vulnerable adults applies to persons without recognized signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect.
EVIDENCE ASSESSMENT: The USPSTF concludes that screening for IPV in women of reproductive age, including those who are pregnant and postpartum, and providing or referring those who screen positive to multicomponent interventions has a moderate net benefit. The USPSTF concludes that the benefits and harms of screening for caregiver abuse and neglect in older or vulnerable adults are uncertain and that the balance of benefits and harms cannot be determined.
RECOMMENDATION: The USPSTF recommends that clinicians screen for IPV in women of reproductive age, including those who are pregnant and postpartum. (B recommendation) The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for caregiver abuse and neglect in older or vulnerable adults.

Author/s:

US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement, Michael Silverstein, John B Wong, Esa M Davis, David Chelmow, Tumaini Rucker Coker, Alicia Fernandez, Ericka Gibson, Carlos Roberto Jaén, Marie Krousel-Wood, Sei Lee, Wanda K Nicholson, Goutham Rao, John M Ruiz, James Stevermer, Joel Tsevat, Sandra Millon Underwood, Sarah Wiehe