NICE raises concerns for the mental health of new Mums

NICE have made a recommendation that GPs need to better assess the mental health needs of new mothers, suggesting that the six week check appointment is a prime opportunity for doctors to ask questions in regards to mental health.  It is feared that mental health difficulties might sometimes be missed in this period as some symptoms such as tiredness and loss of appetite may be considered normal postnatally.

An estimated one in eight women experience anxiety or depression whilst pregnant, with one in five women experiencing anxiety or depression up to a year after birth. Despite this, a recent NHS Improving Quality report found women’s experiences of treatment was variable.

NICE is calling on Clinical Commission Groups (CCGs) to better assess the numbers of women with mental health concerns receiving a comprehensive assessment, and for those referred, how many are able to access psychological services within six weeks.

Deputy Chair of the NICE Indicator Advisory Committee, Dr Andrew Black, commented “GPs play a vital role in helping vulnerable people to get the correct diagnosis and the support they need. These indicators, put forward by NICE, could help GPs to identify and support their patients who are most at risk. This can only be a good thing.”

 
Read more from NICE on this here.