Risks in the perinatal period: understanding factors, screening and collaborative care pathways
Tracks
Stream 1
| Friday, July 26, 2024 |
| 2:45 PM - 3:15 PM |
| Conference Centre Rooms 1 &2 |
Overview
30 Minute Presentation
Presenter
Dr Erin Seeto
Gidget Foundation Australia
Risks in the perinatal period: understanding factors, screening and collaborative care pathways
Abstract
Gidget Foundation Australia
In recent decades, significant strides have been made in enhancing maternal healthcare in Australia, positioning the country as one of the safest places globally for childbirth. While obstetric complications leading to maternal mortality have decreased, a concerning trend has emerged in the realm of psychosocial causes. National data from 2011 to 2020, reported by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) in 2022, indicates that suicide ranks as the third-leading cause of maternal death in Australia.
The risk of suicidal behaviour escalates significantly for women in the perinatal period, particularly for those with a history of mental illness or substance use disorder. Additional factors, such as experiences of family violence, substance misuse or childhood abuse, further compound this risk. Modini et al (2021) highlighted that those who experienced maternal suicide also tend to be younger or more likely to identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.
Not all women experiencing suicidal thoughts have a diagnosed mental illness. Many parents in the perinatal period also encounter intrusive thoughts of a suicidal nature, which, while not necessarily posing an increased risk of harm, does necessitate thoughtful intervention.
While the primary focus of this presentation is on women, emerging research suggests that fathers and non-birthing parents are also at an increased risk of experiencing thoughts of suicide during the transition to parenthood. Suicidal ideation during the perinatal period not only impacts the mother and her community but also has direct implications for infant mental health.
Gidget Foundation Australia (GFA) provides specialist bulk billed perinatal mental health services nationally. GFA is well-equipped to provide comprehensive mental healthcare that includes infants, partners, and the entire family system. A key component of addressing suicidal ideation and other risk of harm presentations lies in providing trauma-informed and culturally sensitive care.
We acknowledge the high rates of family contact with healthcare providers during this critical time and the significant opportunities for intervention. However, realising these opportunities often requires increased general awareness, a reduction in the stigma surrounding mental health treatment, and streamlined pathways into suitable services. This presentation will aim to address these components, exploring risk factors in perinatal mental health and addressing collaborative pathways in care.
References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2019) Australia’s mothers and babies: Maternal deaths. Web article. Canberra: AIHW, 2022. Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mothers-babies/maternal-deaths-australia. Accessed November 2023.
Modini C, Leske S, Roberts S, Whelan N, Chitakis A, Crompton D, Ellwood D. Maternal deaths by suicide in Queensland, Australia, 2004-2017: an analysis of maternal demographic, psychosocial and clinical characteristics. Arch Womens Ment Health. 2021 Dec;24(6):1019-1025. doi: 10.1007/s00737-021-01107-6. Epub 2021 Jun 22. PMID: 34159468; PMCID: PMC8585828.
In recent decades, significant strides have been made in enhancing maternal healthcare in Australia, positioning the country as one of the safest places globally for childbirth. While obstetric complications leading to maternal mortality have decreased, a concerning trend has emerged in the realm of psychosocial causes. National data from 2011 to 2020, reported by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) in 2022, indicates that suicide ranks as the third-leading cause of maternal death in Australia.
The risk of suicidal behaviour escalates significantly for women in the perinatal period, particularly for those with a history of mental illness or substance use disorder. Additional factors, such as experiences of family violence, substance misuse or childhood abuse, further compound this risk. Modini et al (2021) highlighted that those who experienced maternal suicide also tend to be younger or more likely to identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.
Not all women experiencing suicidal thoughts have a diagnosed mental illness. Many parents in the perinatal period also encounter intrusive thoughts of a suicidal nature, which, while not necessarily posing an increased risk of harm, does necessitate thoughtful intervention.
While the primary focus of this presentation is on women, emerging research suggests that fathers and non-birthing parents are also at an increased risk of experiencing thoughts of suicide during the transition to parenthood. Suicidal ideation during the perinatal period not only impacts the mother and her community but also has direct implications for infant mental health.
Gidget Foundation Australia (GFA) provides specialist bulk billed perinatal mental health services nationally. GFA is well-equipped to provide comprehensive mental healthcare that includes infants, partners, and the entire family system. A key component of addressing suicidal ideation and other risk of harm presentations lies in providing trauma-informed and culturally sensitive care.
We acknowledge the high rates of family contact with healthcare providers during this critical time and the significant opportunities for intervention. However, realising these opportunities often requires increased general awareness, a reduction in the stigma surrounding mental health treatment, and streamlined pathways into suitable services. This presentation will aim to address these components, exploring risk factors in perinatal mental health and addressing collaborative pathways in care.
References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2019) Australia’s mothers and babies: Maternal deaths. Web article. Canberra: AIHW, 2022. Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mothers-babies/maternal-deaths-australia. Accessed November 2023.
Modini C, Leske S, Roberts S, Whelan N, Chitakis A, Crompton D, Ellwood D. Maternal deaths by suicide in Queensland, Australia, 2004-2017: an analysis of maternal demographic, psychosocial and clinical characteristics. Arch Womens Ment Health. 2021 Dec;24(6):1019-1025. doi: 10.1007/s00737-021-01107-6. Epub 2021 Jun 22. PMID: 34159468; PMCID: PMC8585828.
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Dr Erin Seeto is a Clinical Psychologist, based in Sydney, and has worked in various settings including hospitals, community, local government, education, specialist services and private practice across the UK and Australia.
Following her Masters in Social Work in Scotland, Erin worked within the field of learning disability and mental health for a number of years. Moving to London, Erin then pursued her Doctorate in Psychology which is where her interest in adjustment, identity and post-traumatic growth developed, while working with individuals who had experienced acquired brain injuries.
Erin’s additional interest in perinatal mental health led her to Gidget Foundation Australia shortly after settling in Sydney. After considerable perinatal training, Erin was motivated to continue this work on a permanent basis.
Erin’s recent experience within this field has focused on adjustment, grief, loss, pregnancy and post-traumatic growth. With this experience, Erin sees the importance of increasing awareness of both women’s health and perinatal mental health issues where a small change can have a substantial positive impact for clients and their family.
In her current role as Clinical Team Leader with Gidget Foundation Australia, Erin’s main focus is on the development and delivery of continuing supervision and professional development opportunities in perinatal mental health for all members of the multi-disciplinary team.
