Diagnosing and Treating Perinatal Depression and Anxiety in Spanish-Speaking and Latina/Latinx Women in the United States

This chapter provides critical information about diagnosing and treating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD) among Spanish-speaking and Latina women in the United States. Standardized practices for identifying (i.e., screening) and treating PMAD using evidence-based psychological and pharmacological treatments are presented. The chapter also examines the impact of cultural norms, practices, and lived experiences of Spanish-speaking and Latina women to expand the reader’s understanding of the clinical presentation of PMAD among this vulnerable population. A case example, as described by a Latina who immigrated from Mexico and who suffered from PMAD, is provided to illustrate the complexity of working with this high-risk population. Finally, the authors offer recommendations for how to appropriately and respectfully work with perinatal women suffering from PMAD, highlighting knowledge gained from their experience as clinicians, researchers, and members of the Spanish-speaking and Latino community.