The Obstetrician-Gynecologist's Role in Detecting, Preventing, and Treating Depression

Women are at a higher risk for depression than are men, and this risk is especially pronounced at specific reproductive periods of vulnerability: adolescence, pregnancy, postpartum, and the menopausal transition. Obstetrician-gynecologists are often the health care providers who women consult during these vulnerable periods, usually presenting with conditions or complaints other than depression or anxiety. Presenting symptoms are frequently known comorbidities with depression or are risk factors for depression. Thus, by screening for depression and other mood disorders in these critical periods, in addition to screening at routine intervals such as annual examinations, obstetricians and gynecologists can play an important role in early detection, prevention, and treatment of mood disorders and their comorbid conditions. We provide a framework for depression management within busy obstetric gynecology settings using new integrated care models for mental health.