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The Psychiatrist in the Obstetric Unit

Establishing a Liaison Service

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Louis Appleby ,
Helena Fox ,
Mike Shaw  and
R. Kumar
Louis Appleby*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF
Helena Fox
Affiliation:
Maudsley Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5
Mike Shaw
Affiliation:
St George's Hospital, Blackshaw Road, London SW17
R. Kumar
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Bethlem Royal and Maudsley Hospital and King's College Hospital, London SE5
*
∗Correspondence
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Abstract

The establishment and first 18 months of a psychiatric liaison service to a general hospital obstetric unit are described. The service was initially intended to predict antenatally those at risk of postnatal depression and to offer follow-up throughout pregnancy and in the postnatal period. However, a large proportion of referrals were of women currently unwell. Furthermore, postnatal follow-up in the community proved difficult. Referrals, diagnoses and disposal are analysed, leading to conclusions about the effectiveness and problem of such a service. The components of a comprehensive obstetric liaison provision are proposed, emphasising the need for strong community links built around a CPN service, allowing adequate postnatal psychiatric care.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 154 , Issue 4 , April 1989 , pp. 510 - 515
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1989 

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