Citation

Nair S, Morrison MF. Psychosomatics 2000; 41(6): 523-530.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine, Philadelphia 19104, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11110117

Abstract

There is limited discussion of maternal competency in the consultation-liaison psychiatry literature. As awareness and reporting of child abuse is increasing, maternal ability to care for newborns is more often called into question. Maternal risk factors for harm and neglect have been identified, and positive signs of maternal ability have also been recognized as important to appraise. Specific domains in the maternal competency exam should be assessed by the psychiatrist, nursing staff, social work staff and pediatrician. The competency exam by the psychiatrist requires a sensitive and nonjudgmental inquiry into maternal behavior and thoughts. The authors present a case study of an inpatient maternal competency consultation that illustrates some of the dilemmas encountered. Future directions should include more involvement by psychiatrists in preventive efforts and interventions that focus on pregnant women at risk in prenatal clinics and in the community.

Language: en