Feasibility and effectiveness of the Australian perinatal mental health approach in the Italian health services: progress and challenges Laura Camoni, Fiorino Mirabella, Liliana La Sala, Giovanna Romano, Gina Barbano, Marina Cattaneo, Loredana Cena, Paolo Michielin, Valentina Ialenti, Franco Veltro, Isabella Cascavilla, Debora Del Re, Gabriella Palumbo and Antonella Gigantesco

Abstract The perinatal depression is one of the leading pathologies in the world causing disabilities and represents an important public health problem. Since 2003, the Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità - ISS) has promoted studies and research on the mental health of women, children, partners and family in the perinatal period, leading to the realization of a structured program adopted in many Italian services. In this article, we describe the feasibility and effectiveness of the perinatal mental health approach in Italian health services and discuss the progress and new challenges.