Technology-Based Approaches for Supporting Perinatal Mental Health

Purpose of review: This review explores advances in the utilization of technology to address perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). Specifically, we sought to assess the range of technologies available, their application to PMADs, and evidence supporting use.

Recent findings: We identified a variety of technologies with promising capacity for direct intervention, prevention, and augmentation of clinical care for PMADs. These included wearable technology, electronic consultation, virtual and augmented reality, internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy, and predictive analytics using machine learning. Available evidence for these technologies in PMADs was almost uniformly positive. However, evidence for use in PMADs was limited compared to that in general mental health populations. Proper attention to PMADs has been severely limited by issues of accessibility, affordability, and patient acceptance. Increased use of technology has the potential to address all three of these barriers by facilitating modes of communication, data collection, and patient experience.