Mental Health
How can I help my patients if they have mental health concerns?
1) Statewide: Community Mental Health Clinics provide mental health services throughout the state. Learn more by clicking this link.
2) Greater New Orleans area: you can contact the Perinatal Depression Program at 504-658-7811.
A few words to providers:
- Perinatal depression affects 15% of pregnant women and women with young infants in Louisiana. Low income, single mothers suffer higher rates. Perinatal Depression negatively affects birth outcomes, and impairs the cognitive, communication, and social emotional skills development of infants born to depressed mothers.
- If your patient has a history of depressive disorder or bipolar disorder, it is especially important that they receive screening/treatment throughout their pregnancy and during the first year of the baby’s life.
- Panic disorders are also fairly common among pregnant women.
- Providers may want to review materials concerning these conditions on www.meded.ppd for medical management information.
Diabetes and over weight are two physical conditions that increase the chances of suffering from Perinatal depression. Certain thyroid disorders also present as depression and need to be ruled out.
Postpartum depression can be serious. If one of your patients displays serious symptoms of postpartum depression/ postpartum psychosis, call 911 or otherwise arrange for immediate care.
Look at the Patient Education section for handouts about Perinatal depression.
