SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC AND CLINICAL PROFILE OF ANTENATAL PATIENTS PRESENTING TO PSYCHIATRIC OPD OF A TERTIARY CARE PSYCHIATRY HOSPITAL- A STUDY FROM SOUTH KASHMIR.

Abstract

Background: Psychiatric disorders have an adverse effect on both maternal as well as fetal well-being.The recognition of antenatal psychiatric disorders is an emerging area of concern in developing countries. Early recognition and interventions can improve the perinatal outcomes significantly. Objective: our objective was to study the sociodemographic and clinical profile of antenatal patients visiting Psychiatric hospital in a tertiary hospital of south Kashmir. Methods: a descriptive, cross-sectional design was employed and was conducted over a period of five months. 62 patients were included as the study sample. The patients were assessed using a semi-structured pro forma and were diagnosed using the ICD-10 diagnostic criteria. Results: our study reported majority of females were in third and fourth decade of life and were unemployed. Depression, followed by generalized anxiety disorder were the most common psychiatric diagnosis with majority of patients presenting in third trimester. Psychiatric illnesses were significantly associated with primiparity and poor social support. Conclusion: our study demonstrated the increasing prevalence of psychiatric illnesses in antenatal period and its adverse perinatal consequences.Hence,it is crucial to emphasize on early detection of mental distress and the need to integrate mental health in antenatal care.