Mental Health-related Utilization of Emergency Departments During Pregnancy in the U.S., 2016-2019
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Mental health conditions are a leading comorbidity of pregnancy, but little is known about the use of emergency departments (EDs) for mental health-related care during pregnancy. This study aims to describe both the characteristics of pregnant women who receive mental health-related care in hospital EDs in the United States and the most common mental health diagnoses, types of medications, and mental health services that these women receive.
METHODS: Pooled, cross-sectional data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (2016-2019) were used. Pregnant patients were identified based on diagnosis and reason for visit codes. Weighted descriptive analyses were performed to describe characteristics of pregnant women, services offered, and medications received for mental health-related visits.
RESULTS: Mental health-related visits comprised 6.2% of all ED visits during pregnancy. History of depression was significantly higher in pregnant patients with mental health-related visits compared to those pregnant patients presenting for other reasons. The most common diagnoses for pregnant patients with mental health-related visits were substance use disorders (30.7%), anxiety-related disorders (19.1%), and depressive disorders (14.6%). Anxiolytics and antidepressants were the most common pharmacotherapies given. Few women saw a mental health provider during their visit (6.7%), while most were referred to an outside clinic for follow-up (55.0%).
DISCUSSION:…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause.
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