Westat Researchers Examine Depression Treatment During Pregnancy Among Medicaid Beneficiaries

A new study published in Current Research in Psychiatry examines the prevalence of prenatal depression and the extent to which pregnant Medicaid beneficiaries receive treatment. Using national Medicaid data from 2021, researchers identified more than 200,000 pregnant women with a reported depression diagnosis, representing approximately 13% of all Medicaid-covered pregnancies. The study, titled “Depression Diagnoses and Treatment During Pregnancy Among Women Enrolled in Medicaid,” found that documented treatment rates were low, highlighting important opportunities to improve access to and use of mental health services during pregnancy.

The study was led by a team of researchers from Westat and Careplots, including Westat authors Shoma Ghose, PhD; Mustafa Karakus, PhD; Rikki Welch, MA; Tanvi Rao, PhD; Meg Tucker, MS; and Amanda Harris, MPH. Drawing on one of the largest sources of Medicaid data available, the research provides new insights into demographic, clinical, and enrollment characteristics associated with depression treatment during pregnancy and helps inform maternal behavioral health policy and practice.

“Depression during pregnancy can have significant consequences for both maternal and infant health, making access to effective treatment especially important,” said Tucker, a Westat Principal Research Associate. “By examining nationwide Medicaid data, this study helps identify gaps in care, particularly around referral and follow-up for behavioral healthcare treatment when providers screen patients for depression. These findings provide evidence that policymakers, health systems, and providers can use to strengthen support for pregnant women experiencing depression.”