Prevalence and Pattern of Prenatal Psychiatric Disorders among Obstetrics Patients

Objective: To determine the prevalence and pattern of psychiatric disorders among obstetrics patients during antenatal period to improve the quality of care for women suffering from undetected antenatal mental disturbances. Study Design: Descriptive study Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in out-patient department of Gynae Unit 1 of Bahawal Victoria Hospital (BVH), Bahawalpur from May 1, 2011 to September 30, 2011. Materials and Methods: This study was performed on 150 pregnant women fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Psychiatric profile was assessed using Mini International Neuropsychiatric interview (MINI) 5th edition as a valid and reliable diagnostic tool with closed-end questions. Collected data was analyzed by SPSS version 10. Results: A total 150 pregnant women were interviewed. Out of them, 45.3% patients were in the range of 26-30 years, 50.7% patients got children in the range of 1-4. There were 61.3% women who belonged to poor socio-economic status. 68% were illiterate and only 11.3% were having secondary/higher education. Out of 150 pregnant women, 70 women had no psychiatric disorder. Anxiety disorder was found in 36 (24%). 21.3% of patients were found to have depression. 5.3% and 2.7 % of pregnant women were found to have panic disorders and social phobia respectively. Conclusion: Significant percentage of women in obstetrics during prenatal period have unrecognized and untreated psychiatric disorders. Given the potential impact of antenatal mental disturbances on maternal and infant outcomes psychiatric evaluation of pregnant women in antenatal period is required.