Depression often untreated in pregnant women

Many pregnant women suffering from depression do not receive adequate treatment for their mental health condition. Researchers from the University of Michigan Medical School found that most women with debilitating, depressive illness at a vulnerable developmental period are unlikely to be connected with adequate psychiatric treatment. Previous studies have shown that up to 15 percent of women experience depression during pregnancy, which in turn greatly increases the risk of postpartum depression. Yet, several researchers have shown that depression goes undetected in 75 percent or more of cases. The researchers studied 276 pregnant women who had a high risk of depression, based on their symptoms and depression history. They found that although 40 percent of the women had current depression or a history of major depression, only one in five (20 percent) received any type of depression treatment. Also, less than half (43 percent) of those receiving treatment were being adequately treated with antidepressants. Among women with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, most were experiencing a recurrence. This finding implies that their symptoms and their treatment are not being monitored adequately. Women most likely to receive treatment were those with a history of psychiatric treatment, those with a history of major depression, and those with more severe prenatal depression. A current diagnosis of major depression was not associated with any use of depression treatment. There are effective treatments available, but the first treatment isn't always the best. With that in mind, women who are not completely satisfied with their treatment should inform their doctor that the medication is not working. Women need to be more proactive about making sure they get effective treatment.