Mental health

Psychiatry must incorporate the cultures and traditions of Aboriginal patients.

I have yet to attend a mental health conference where the theme was mental health. Rather, the themes inevitably describe what mental health isn’t. I would not want my personal wellness to be stated in terms of “not schizophrenic,” “not psychotic,” “not depressed,” and so on.

There is no doubt that certain psychiatric disorders—including depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and psychoses—can make pregnancy and the postpartum period a less-than-joyful time for some women.

Over the past 20 years, the evolution of reproductive psychiatry as a subspecialty within adult psychiatry has been dramatic. Psychiatrists have come a long way in understanding mental illnesses in pregnant and postpartum women since Hippocrates first described them in 5 AD. Several reproductive psychiatry programs are now in operation throughout the world, and 2 years ago the First World Congress on Women’s Mental Health was held in Berlin. This was a milestone in recognizing and understanding the significance of mental health issues pertaining to women. 

When a child or youth appears to be struggling with suicidal ideation, talking with them about it can be difficult—for physicians, parents, teachers, and friends alike.

Introduction

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common problem in the primary health care setting. The recognition of depression requires a high index of suspicion, as depression can masquerade as many different problems. Depression also commonly coexists with other medical conditions and can be a side effect of medications.