2002 International International Biennial Scientific Meeting

"THE NATIONAL POSTNATAL DEPRESSION PROGRAM"

Anne Buist and Justin Bilszta

Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre

justin.bilszta@armc.org.au

Aims: To give an overview of aims and objectives of the National Postnatal Depression Program and to highlight issues concerning its background and implementation.

Methods: Postnatal depression (PND) affects some 14% of women giving birth. For many women this is their first episode of mental illness. Unfortunately for some, it is not their last, with many women continuing to cope poorly and others suffering recurrences after subsequent children. Some half of sufferers may go unrecognised - and thus untreated.

The cost of PND is high in emotional terms for the mother, her partner and the child - potentially both short and long term. Research suggests that many of these women can be identified in pregnancy and the postnatal period and whilst there has been little success with prevention, early detection and intervention may be able to prevent some of the sequelae. The National Postnatal Depression Program, funded by beyondblue, looks to increase awareness, promote screening to enhance early detection and trial a variety of early intervention programs across five States.

This poster will highlight the methodological issues involved in a large scale screening study that seeks to involve primary health care in early detection and intervention, integrating and enhancing current management in each State.

Conclusions: There are a number of challenges facing the Program including the effects on a woman and her family in early identification of a depressive illness and the impact of education and awareness on community and professional attitudes. Outcomes are not expected to be known for three years.