Screening for depression and anxiety in the post-natal period: acceptance or rejection of a subsequent treatment offer.
A technique is described for the potential secondary prevention of post-natal depression and anxiety. All mothers attending Baby Health Centres in one Shire were screened with self-rating scales for depression and anxiety at six to eight weeks postpartum. Six per cent of mothers scored as suspected cases of depression and 11.6% as suspected cases of anxiety. The subsequent course of these suspected cases was checked by screening again at six months. Twelve suspected depressed mothers were offered a psychiatric interview and 50% refused this offer. Possible reasons for treatment refusal are discussed. The feasibility of introducing screening for affective disturbance as a routine procedure in Baby Health Centres is commented upon.
D000328:Adult; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011247:Pregnancy; D011581:Psychological Tests; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012306:Risk