Patients with Postpartum Depression in Gynaecological Practices in Germany - Results of a Representative Survey of Local Gynaecologists about Diagnosis and Management.

THEORETICAL BACKGROUND AND CURRENT ISSUES: For the sake of pre-emptive child protection it is necessary to recognise signs of postpartum depression (PPD) in pregnant women and young mothers as early as possible and to initiate adequate assistance. Because of their high acceptance, especially in the phases of pregnancy and birth, the local gynaecologists offer ideal prerequisites for access to the parents. This study evaluates the current status of diagnosis and management of PPD in gynaecological practices. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a representative German nation-wide questionnaire survey taking the regional distribution into account n = 3000 local gynaecologists were selected at random and contacted by post. The questionnaire addressed their approaches to the diagnosis and management of PPD as well as the encountered barriers. RESULTS: Among the n = 1034 participating gynaecologists (response rate: 35 %) half of them dealt actively with PPD; 16 % used a questionnaire for this purpose. Consultation by the gynaecologist (84 %) or referral to therapists or hospitals (86 %) were among the most common interventions in the management of PPD. A need for improvement in the management of women with PPD was recognised equally often. As barriers the gynaecologists mentioned above all the lack of time, the low reimbursements for consultations and the lack of effective treatment options. Predictors for an active anamnesis were found to be female gender of the gynaecologist, possession of an additional psychosomatic qualification and practice located in an urban catchment area or state of the former West Germany. CONCLUSION: The results clearly demonstrate a high acceptance for the management of PPD by gynaecologists as well as the need for further action to improve the care of patients with PPD in gynaecological practices.

Collaborative stepped care for somatoform disorders: A pre-post-intervention study in primary care.

OBJECTIVE: The successful management of somatoform disorders in primary care is often limited due to low diagnostic accuracy, delayed referral to psychotherapy, and unstructured overuse of health care. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of establishing a collaborative stepped health care network for somatoform disorders, and its impact on the diagnostic process and treatment recommendations in primary care. METHOD: The Network for Somatoform and Functional Disorders (Sofu-Net) was established to connect 41 primary care physicians (PCP), 35 psychotherapists, and 8 mental health clinics. To evaluate Sofu-Net, primary care patients at high risk of having a somatoform disorder were identified using the Patient Health Questionnaire, and were assessed in detail at the patient and PCP level. Discussion of psychosocial distress in the consultations, diagnostic detection rates and treatment recommendations were compared before and 12 months after establishing the network. RESULTS: Out of the pre- (n=1645) and 12-months-post Sofu-Net patient samples (n=1756), 267 (16.2%) and 269 (15.3%) high-risk patients were identified. From these, 156 and 123 patients were interviewed and information was assessed from their PCP. Twelve months after Sofu-Net establishment, high-risk patients more frequently discussed psychosocial distress with their PCP (63.3% vs. 79.2%, p<.001). PCPs prescribed more antidepressants (3.8% vs. 25.2%, p<.001) and less benzodiazepines (21.8% vs. 6.5%, p<.001). Sofu-Net did not affect PCP's diagnostic detection rates or recommendation to initiate psychotherapy. CONCLUSION: The study results indicate feasibility of an interdisciplinary network for somatoform disorders. Collaborative care networks for somatoform disorders have the potential to improve doctor-patient-communication and prescription behavior.