A large number of pregnant women suffer from depression, however, getting treatment often takes a backseat with only three out of ten actually seeing a psychiatrist, said health experts.
“Depression during pregnancy is higher than the average population, with some having anxiety and stress,” said a psychiatrist from one of the government hospitals here.
He attributed their depression to hormonal effect, as well as, some social factors that could further stress her pregnancy if she doesn’t have enough social support, such as, having to go to work or dealing with home duties, and demanding young children.“If she wants a boy and her pregnancy came to be another girl, if she lost a baby before and she’s worried about losing her pregnancy, these will also increase her anxiety and depression,” he added.
“The chances of depression can be higher, especially to those with a family history or previous mood disorder.”But most of these women are often hesitant to get treatment due to fear of medicine affecting their unborn child and the stigma associated with seeing a shrink.
“Some of them are referred to us by the obstetrics but they prefer not to come, either due to stigma or they are afraid that the psychiatric medication can cause addiction, or that it is harmful,” said the specialist.
Dr Tarik Khammas, consultant psychiatrist at Al Noor Hospital, said there are medicines that are safe, without any side effects on the mother and baby, but will help improve depression.
“We have psychotherapy and support therapy, and if she is suffering too much, then we discuss treatment options. We have a lot of anti-depressants that are proven to be safe in pregnancy,” he explained.
Dr Nellie Boma, chief medical officer of Al Rahba Hospital, said depression among pregnant women is “tremendously under-diagnosed in the country.” She attributed this to the absence of psychiatrist and psychologist in many hospitals here, including at Al Rahba, and because?of “cultural expectation” to hide this ailment.
“The problem is that the last thing they think about here in our society is to go to the psychiatrist. They go first to the obstetrician, then to the general practitioner and at last when they find no help, they come to see a psychiatrist. It is less diagnosed because the patient is not coming,” said Dr Khammas.