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Clinical approach to mental health issues among obstetrician-gynecologists: a review.

Coleman VH, Morgan MA, Zinberg S, Schulkin J

Doctoral Candidate, Department of Psychology, American University, Washington DC 20024, USA. vc0014a@american.edu

In recent years, obstetrician-gynecologists have taken on a greater role in the provision of primary care. Mental health has been a topic worthy of further exploration as a result of the high prevalence rates of women presenting in gynecologic settings with depressive, anxiety, or eating-disordered symptoms. The detrimental effects of psychopathology have been well documented in the literature, especially if present during pregnancy. This article provides a review of the literature in the area of clinical practice related to mental health among obstetrician-gynecologists based on searches of the Psyc Info and MEDLINE databases. Lack of recognition and underdiagnosis are common problems that need to be addressed by focused educational initiatives. TARGET AUDIENCE: Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After completion of this article, the reader should be able to recall the importance of screening for various types of mental disease during an ob/gyn visit; describe the detrimental effects of psychopathology, especially during pregnancy; and explain the importance of educational initiatives in detecting and treating mental disorders.

Published 19 December 2005 in Obstet Gynecol Surv, 61(1): 51-8.
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