1 - (SYM 33) From Prevalence to Placement: Epidemiology, Risk, and Level-of-care Decisions in Peripartum Mental Health

Peripartum mental health conditions are common, clinically significant, and frequently underrecognized. Approximately one in five pregnant or postpartum individuals experience a mood, anxiety, or related psychiatric disorder (Gavin et al., 2005), yet many remain untreated despite clear associations between unmanaged symptoms and adverse outcomes for both the birthing parent and child. Untreated peripartum psychiatric illness is linked to increased obstetric complications, impaired parent–infant bonding, substance use, and elevated risk of psychiatric emergencies, including suicidality and psychosis (Sudziute et al., 2020; Runkle et al., 2023).

This presentation provides an evidence-based overview of the current state of peripartum mental health, focusing on epidemiology, risks of untreated illness, and clinical considerations for determining the appropriate level of care. Key prevalence data and risk factors across pregnancy and the postpartum period will be reviewed, including conditions associated with heightened acuity or rapid symptom escalation, such as severe mood disorders, peripartum psychosis, and comorbid substance use (O’Hara and Wisner, 2014).

The talk will emphasize peripartum-specific risk assessment, including evaluation of suicidal ideation, intrusive thoughts, psychotic symptoms, functional impairment, and safety concerns within the context of pregnancy and early parenting. Indications for higher levels of care—such as inpatient psychiatric hospitalization—will be discussed. By linking epidemiologic risk to real-world clinical decision-making, this presentation aims to support timely, nuanced, and patient-centered determinations of level of care for peripartum individuals.