Citation

Henshaw C. Medicine (Abingdon) 2004; 32(8): 42-43.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Medicine Publishing)

DOI

10.1383/medc.32.8.42.43172

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Psychiatric disorders contribute significantly to maternal morbidity; 10-15% of pregnant and post-partum women are depressed or anxious, and suicide is the most common cause of maternal death. Mild disorders in early pregnancy often relate to psychosocial factors and are treated with psychosocial interventions. Depression later in pregnancy is likely to continue after delivery, and 3-5% of these cases are severe illnesses. Pregnancy can also be complicated by recurrent or chronic psychiatric disorders. Most post-partum illnesses are affective disorders. The risk factors for postnatal depression differ from those of puerperal psychosis, which is a severe illness with a high risk of recurrence after subsequent deliveries. Mild-to-moderate illness can be managed in primary care with counselling or antidepressants. More severe disorders may require referral to secondary mental health care and, if the woman is suicidal or psychotic, admission preferably to a specialist mother and baby unit.