Pregnancy Depression 'Is Missed'
What Does The New NICE Research Suggest?
GPs and midwives need to do more to spot signs of depression in pregnant women and new mothers, a health watchdog has said. The National Institute For Health And Clinical Excellence (NICE) said women who experience depression in pregnancy and new motherhood are not being sufficiently identified. Anxiety or eating disorders are also being missed.
It is thought that up to one in seven women experience a mental health disorder at some point in pregnancy or after the birth.
Mental health experts welcome these findings. They believe that it might help to increase the number of women who are diagnosed with depression, anxiety, eating disorders and severe mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
How Might Depression In Pregnancy Be Identified?
NICE advises healthcare staff dealing with pregnant women of new mothers to ask three questions during ante or postnatal checks:-
• Have you felt down, depressed or hopeless during the last month?
• Have you been bothered by having little interest or pleasure in doing things?
• Is this something you feel you need or want help with?
Their guidance states that women needing psychological treatment should normally be seen within one month and no longer than three months after an initial assessment. Treatments may include counselling or anti-depressants. Leaving these conditions untreated could result in poor educational performance.
What Do Mental Health Experts Have To Say About Depression In Pregnancy?
Dr Gillian Leng, who led the team which compiled the guidance, said: "This is not just about helping women get through the 'baby blues' - we are looking at all types of mental health disorders and distinguishing the ups and downs of everyday life for more serious conditions."
Paul Farmer, chief executive of mental health charity Mind, said: "We welcome these guidelines, which look to be a very promising start. The challenge, as always, will be ensuring that they are implemented. Parents deserve the very best support at the start of their child's life. The resources to make these excellent guidelines a reality must be available, otherwise they risk becoming little more than a wish-list."
Margaret Edwards, of the mental health charity Sane, added: "We welcome the recommendation that psychological treatment to be provided at an early stage and urge action to increase access to such therapies, to minimise the need for medication during pregnancy."
Add to del.icio.us
Digg this