Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2025
Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
Published on: June 13, 2021
Perinatal mental illness in Ontario (2007-2021): A population-based repeated cross-sectional surveillance study
Simone N Vigod1,2,3, Amreen Babujee4, Anjie Huang4
1ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. simone.vigod@wchospital.ca.
Insights
Perinatal mental health service use varied by demographic factors, with increased rates observed in postpartum individuals and those with pre-existing conditions. Targeted support is crucial for optimal perinatal mental health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal mental health
- Public health surveillance
- Healthcare utilization
Background:
- Perinatal mental illness significantly impacts birthing individuals, infants, and families.
- Understanding population-level service use is vital for effective resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in perinatal mental health service utilization in Ontario, Canada.
- To identify demographic and clinical factors associated with service use.
Main Methods:
- A repeated cross-sectional population-based surveillance study.
- Analysis of monthly mental health service contacts (outpatient and acute care) from 2007-2021.
- Calculation of event rates per 1000 person-months, stratified by service type, diagnosis, and demographics.
Main Results:
- Annual perinatal mental health service use ranged from 22-28%, with higher rates postpartum (17-21%) than during pregnancy (10-15%).
- Outpatient care rates declined then rose post-March 2020; acute care rates increased from 2015, particularly for anxiety and substance use disorders.
- Highest service use rates were observed in postpartum individuals, younger (<25) and older (>40) age groups, non-immigrants, urban residents, and those with prior mental illness.
Conclusions:
- Rapid access to evidence-based perinatal mental health services is essential.
- Targeted interventions are needed for groups with higher identified needs to improve treatment and prevent adverse outcomes.
Objective:
Perinatal mental illness can negatively impact pregnant and postpartum women and gender-diverse birthing persons, their children, and families. This study aimed to describe population-level trends in perinatal mental health service use, including outpatient and acute care contacts, to guide decisions about investments in evidence-based treatment.
Methods:
In this repeated cross-sectional population-based surveillance study in Ontario, Canada, we measured monthly rates of mental health service use for perinatal people (conception to 1 year postpartum) from January 2007 to December 2021. Event rates were calculated by dividing the number of contacts in a given month by the total eligible perinatal time for that month expressed in per 1000 person-months. Rates by service type (outpatient, acute care), diagnosis, and sociodemographic characteristics, and by history of pre-existing mental illness were also calculated.
Results:
In total, 22-28% of perinatal people had perinatal mental health service use annually (10-15% in pregnancy, 17-21% in postpartum). Perinatal mental health outpatient care rates decreased initially (2007-2012), stabilized, and then increased after March 2020. Acute care rates were stable from 2007 to 2015, then increased (especially for anxiety and substance/alcohol use disorders). Across all contact types, the highest rates were in postpartum vs. pregnancy, those aged < 25 and > 40 years, non-immigrants, urban-dwellers, and those with pre-existing mental illness.
Conclusion:
Ensuring rapid access to evidence-based supports and services for perinatal mental illness is essential. Groups with increased need based on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics may benefit from targeted supports and services to ensure optimal treatment and prevent adverse outcomes.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:29Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
01:27Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)