Managing perinatal mental health: A survey of practitioners' views.

Perinatal psychiatric illnesses are a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality but difficulties still exist with the correct identification and management of these disorders. This study surveyed health professionals involved in the care of women with maternal mental health disorders and identified where improvements are required. Midwives, obstetricians and health visitors were asked for their views on the identification, treatment and management of a range of perinatal mental health disorders. The results showed that participants lacked the required knowledge/ skills to identify and manage these disorders effectively and most had not received any specific pre-qualification or postgraduate training in perinatal mental health. Most requested additional support, including specialist advice, training and guidelines and agreed that all women with perinatal mental health disorders should have the support of specialized perinatal psychiatric services. Systems are needed to develop and maintain practitioners' knowledge and skills and to ensure improved access to specialist advice and support when required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]