Perinatal psychiatric disorders: an overview
Elena Paschetta1, Giles Berrisford2, Floriana Coccia2
1Birmingham Women's National Health Service Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK.
Insights
Perinatal mental illness significantly impacts maternal and child health. Early identification and management during pregnancy and postpartum are crucial for better outcomes, though best practices require further evidence.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal mental health
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Child Development
Background:
- Perinatal mental illness poses risks to maternal health, birth outcomes, and child development.
- Prevalence varies globally, with lower rates reported in high-income countries.
- The perinatal period is critical for identifying and managing psychiatric disorders due to their potential impact and lability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the prevalence of common perinatal mental disorders.
- To examine antenatal screening policies for identifying at-risk women.
- To discuss the impact of these conditions and their management on pregnancy, fetal, and child outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on prevalence data.
- Analysis of antenatal screening policies and best practices.
- Synthesis of evidence on management strategies and their effects.
Main Results:
- Significant heterogeneity exists in prevalence estimates across studies and income levels.
- Obstetricians and midwives are key in early identification and referral.
- Limited evidence currently exists on optimal assessment and management protocols.
Conclusions:
- Effective screening and management of perinatal mental health are vital.
- Further research is needed to establish evidence-based best practices for assessment and care.
- Multidisciplinary approaches are essential for supporting maternal and child well-being.
Abstract:
Perinatal mental illness has a significant implication on maternal health, birth outcomes, and the offspring's development. Prevalence estimates of perinatal psychiatric illnesses range widely, with substantial heterogeneity in different population studies, with a lower prevalence rate in high- rather than low- or middle-income countries. Because of the potential negative impact on maternal and child outcomes and the potential lability of these disorders, the perinatal period is a critical time to identify psychiatric illnesses. Thus, obstetricians and midwives play a crucial role in assessing women's mental health needs and to refer identified women promptly for multidisciplinary specialist assessment. However, there is still limited evidence on best practice assessment and management policies during pregnancy and postpartum. This review focuses on the prevalence of common perinatal mental disorders and antenatal screening policies to identify women at risk. The effect of these conditions and their management on pregnancy, fetal outcomes, and child development are discussed.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:18Depression: Overview
01:29Theoretical Approaches to Psychological Disorder
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...
01:27Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
01:30Bipolar Disorder
01:28Psychosis and Antipsychotic Drugs: Overview
01:27Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within...