Recognition and management of perinatal depression in general practice--a survey of GPs and postnatal women.
OBJECTIVE
To identify ways to improve detection and access to treatment.


METHODS
A survey of general practitioners and postnatal women across Australia addressing knowledge of, and attitudes to, postnatal depression using case vignettes.


RESULTS
General practitioners were significantly more likely to recognise depression than postnatal women, who were likely to seek help for more general or baby related issues. Both GPs and women favoured help from partners and counselling, but GPs significantly favoured antidepressants and women, natural therapies.


CONCLUSIONS
Women have a low likelihood of presenting for depression, suggesting a role for screening by GPs. Women preferred psychological and social management than drugs for depression perinatally.
Buist
Anne
A
University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.. a.buist@unimelb.edu.au
Bilszta
Justin
J
Barnett
Bryanne
B
Milgrom
Jeannette
J
Ericksen
Jennifer
J
Condon
John
J
Hayes
Barbara
B
Brooks
Janette
J
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D005194:Family Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D011181:Postnatal Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires