Objective: To identify ways to improve detection and access to treatment.
Methods: A survey of general practitioners and postnatal women across Australia addressing knowledge of, and attitudes to, postnatal depression using case vignettes.
Results: General practitioners were significantly more likely to recognise depression than postnatal women, who were likely to seek help for more general or baby related issues. Both GPs and women favoured help from partners and counselling, but GPs significantly favoured antidepressants and women, natural therapies.
Discussion: Women have a low likelihood of presenting for depression, suggesting a role for screening by GPs. Women preferred psychological and social management than drugs for depression perinatally.