Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to estimate the frequency of identification of major depressive disorder by providers during prenatal care. Study Design: A cohort of pregnant women who were participating in a randomized controlled trial and who had received a diagnosis of major depressive disorder was examined. Women were included in the current study if prenatal clinic records were available and legible. Results: Clinical depression was noted in 56% of prenatal charts and on 24% of problem lists. Physicians and certified nurse midwives noted depression equally (P =.935); physicians more frequently noted mental health referral (23% vs 0%; P =.01), and midwives more frequently included depression on the problem list (P =.01). Recent medication use, which was stopped before conception or study participation, predicted notation of depression in the chart (P =.001). Conclusion: Depression frequently is missed during pregnancy and, when identified, is underacknowledged as a problem. Women who have not recently used antidepressant medication are more likely to be missed. Better screening and acknowledgment are needed.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 506.e1-506.e6 |
Journal | American journal of obstetrics and gynecology |
Volume | 207 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 2012 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- depression
- major depressive disorder
- pregnancy
- prenatal care
- screening
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Obstetrics and Gynecology