Journal
JOURNAL OF MATERNAL-FETAL & NEONATAL MEDICINE
Volume 24, Issue 11, Pages 1321-1324Publisher
INFORMA HEALTHCARE
DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2010.547234
Keywords
Postpartum depression; screening; psychiatric care
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Objective. To determine the timing of screening for postpartum depression that optimizes access to psychiatric care. Methods. Cross-sectional evaluation of women receiving obstetric care in a community-based medical center clinic from March to July 2006, who were screened for depression at 36 weeks gestation, delivery, and 6 weeks postpartum using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Positive screens generated referrals for psychiatric evaluation. The rate of positive screens for depression and psychiatric follow-up at each time point was evaluated. Results. Of the 293 patients evaluated, the distribution of the first screen which occurred during the study period was 21% at 36 weeks, 31% at delivery, and 48% at 6 weeks postpartum. The incidence of a positive screen was 5% at 36 weeks, 16% at delivery and 14% at 6 weeks postpartum. Access to psychiatric care occurred in 33% at 36 weeks, 15% at 6 weeks postpartum and 100% at delivery (p = 0.001). Conclusion. Screening for depression in the hospital after delivery improves access to psychiatric care.
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