Identifying mothers with postpartum depression early: integrating perinatal mental health care into the obstetric setting

Helen Chen, Jemie Wang, Ying Chia Ch'ng, Roshayati Mingoo, Theresa Lee, Julia Ong, Helen Chen, Jemie Wang, Ying Chia Ch'ng, Roshayati Mingoo, Theresa Lee, Julia Ong

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.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Process flow of the Postnatal Depression Intervention Programme.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Change in EPDS scores with intervention.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Change in GAF and EQ5D scores with intervention.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Change in EPDS scores amongst women who scored borderline (EPDS 10–12).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Change in EPDS scores amongst women who scored high (EPDS ≥ 13).

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Source: PubMed

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