Consultation-liaison psychiatry in a maternity hospital

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to describe referral patterns of maternity inpatients to the consultation-liaison psychiatry (CLP) service at a large women's hospital in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia. METHOD: Clinicians recorded socio-demographic data, referring unit, consultee's reason for referral, psychiatric diagnosis made, and treatment provided for all maternity inpatients referred from 2004 to 2008. RESULTS: Main reasons for referral were detection of depression, past psychiatric history, and concern regarding a woman's coping. Most common diagnoses were depression, substance use disorders and anxiety disorders. Many women referred for assessment while inpatients were initiall..