Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Email this article to a Colleague Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My Articles & Searches Download to citation manager Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Articles by Smith, M. V. Articles by Yonkers, K. A. Search for Related Content PubMed Citation Articles by Smith, M. V. Articles by Yonkers, K. A. Gender Minority Issues Access to Services Anxiety Disorders (General) Depression Panic Disorder Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Screening for and Detection of Depression, Panic Disorder, and PTSD in Public-Sector Obstetric Clinics

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed rates of detection and treatment of minor and major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder among pregnant women receiving prenatal care at public-sector obstetric clinics. METHODS: Interviewers systematically screened 387 women attending prenatal visits. The screening process was initiated before each woman's examination. After the visit, patients were asked whether their clinician recognized a mood or anxiety disorder. Medical records were reviewed for documentation of psychiatric illness and treatment. RESULTS: Only 26 percent of patients who screened positive for a psychiatric illness were recognized as having a mood or anxiety disorder by their health care provider. Moreover, clinicians detected disorders among only 12 percent of patients who showed evidence of suicidal ideation. Women with panic disorder or a lifetime history of domestic violence were more likely to be identified as having a psychiatric illness by a health care provider at some point before or during pregnancy. All women who screened positive for panic disorder had received or were currently receiving mental health treatment outside the prenatal visit, whereas 26 percent of women who screened positive for major or minor depression had received or were currently receiving treatment outside the prenatal visit. CONCLUSIONS: Detection rates for depressive disorders in obstetric settings are lower than those for panic disorder and lower than those reported in other primary care settings. Consequently, a large proportion of pregnant women continue to suffer silently with depression throughout their pregnancy. Given that depressive disorders among perinatal women are highly prevalent and may have profound impact on infants and children, more work is needed to enhance detection and referral.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				R. C. Kopelman, J. Moel, C. Mertens, S. Stuart, S. Arndt, and M. W. O'Hara Barriers to Care for Antenatal Depression Psychiatr Serv, April 1, 2008; 59(4): 429 - 432. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				H. M. Hu, A. Kline, F. Y. Huang, and D. M. Ziedonis Detection of Co-Occurring Mental Illness Among Adult Patients in the New Jersey Substance Abuse Treatment System Am J Public Health, October 1, 2006; 96(10): 1785 - 1793. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Get information about faster international access.

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2004 American Psychiatric Association. All rights reserved.

Home | Search | Current Issue | Past Issues | Subscribe | All APPI Journals | Help | Contact Us