INVESTIGATING OBSTETRIC AND GYNECOLOGIST PERCEPTIONS AND SCREENING PRACTICES FOR POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

Literature shows that Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a very common complication of childbirth (Evans, Phillippi, & Gee, 2015). Although it is extremely common, it remains largely undetected by healthcare providers (Evans, Phillippi, & Gee, 2015). A recent study conducted by Behimehr, Curtis, Curtis, and Hart (2014) found that the public perceives OB/GYNs to carry the most responsibility in screening for Postpartum Depression. The current study was inspired by Behimehr, Curtis, Curtis, and Hart (2014) findings, and participants were assessed to obtain information about their perceptions pertaining to OB/GYNs being most responsible to screen for PPD, and whether knowledge given that the public views them as most responsible would change their perceptions of their responsibility. Screening methods employed by participants were also assessed. The current study found that OB/GYNs do not view themselves as most responsible to screen for PPD. Results also showed that OB/GYNs do view PPD screening as important and a high priority. These results have implications for not only the patients diagnosed and struggling with PPD, but also the social relationships within the family unit where a mother is suffering from PPD.