Other Mental Health Difficulties
Common mental health problems that are screened via screening tools
• Anxiety
Consider what other mental health problems might be present or be co-morbid currently or in the past
• Substance use, alcohol, prescription or illegal drugs
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (related to past events or the birth)
• Trauma from past
Also consider other forms of Severe mental illness that can be present in the postnatal period
• Bipolar Disorder
• Postpartum psychosis
To assess past and/or present mental health disorders, the following questions may be asked
Do you have any history of other mental problems (e.g., eating disorders, psychosis, bipolar, schizophrenia)?
If yes, what mental health problems have you experienced?
Have you ever needed treatment for other mental health problems?
If yes, how long ago did this occur and what type of treatment did you receive?
Has anyone in your immediate family (i.e., grandparents, parents, siblings) experienced severe mental health problems (e.g., psychosis, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia)?