Identifying Mothers with Postpartum Depression Early: Integrating Perinatal Mental Health Care into the Obstetric Setting. (15th September 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Helen; Wang, Jemie; Ch'ng, Ying Chia; Mingoo, Roshayati; Lee, Theresa; Ong, Julia
• Other Names: Petru E. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: ISRN obstetrics and gynecology. Volume 2011(2011)
• Publication Date: 2011-09-15
• Subjects: Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Pregnancy Complications; Genital Diseases, Female; Gynecology; Obstetrics; Electronic journals; Periodical; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 618.2
• DOI: 10.5402/2011/309189
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-4436

Abstract

Abstract : With prevalence rates of postnatal depression (PND) as high as at least 7%, there was a need for early detection and intervention of postpartum mental illness amongst Singaporean mothers. This is a report on the first year results of our country's first PND Intervention Programme. The programme consists of two phases: (1) postpartum women were screened with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and provided appropriate care plans; (2) individualized clinical intervention using a case management multidisciplinary team model. Screening for PND was generally acceptable, as 64% eligible women participated voluntarily. Nine percent (126) were identified as probable cases from 1369 women. Forty-one women accepted intervention and achieved 78% reduction in the EPDS symptom scores to below the cutoff of 13, 76% had improvement in GAF functioning scores, and 68% had improved health quality scores. Preliminary results are promising, and this intervention model can be replicated.