Screening for Depression and Anxiety in the Post-Natal Period: Acceptance or Rejection of a Subsequent Treatment Offer

A technique is described for the potential secondary prevention of post-natal depression and anxiety. All mothers attending Baby Health Centres in one Shire were screened with self-rating scales for depression and anxiety at six to eight weeks postpartum. Six per cent of mothers scored as suspected cases of depression and 11.6% as suspected cases of anxiety. The subsequent course of these suspected cases was checked by screening again at six months. Twelve suspected depressed mothers were offered a psychiatric interview and 50% refused this offer. Possible reasons for treatment refusal are discussed. The feasibility of introducing screening for affective disturbance as a routine procedure in Baby Health Centres is commented upon.