Why might clinicians hesitate to conduct screenings for PMADs?

Clinicians may hesitate to conduct screenings for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) because they believe screenings are costly or time-consuming. This concern is significant as time and resource constraints are prevalent in many clinical settings. Clinicians might worry that integrating screenings into their already packed schedules could lead to diminished time for other crucial tasks or result in a backlog of appointments. Additionally, there may be apprehension regarding the financial aspects of implementing a screening process, which could involve costs related to training personnel, obtaining screening tools, or managing follow-up procedures for patients identified as needing further assessment or intervention.

This belief can lead to an underutilization of screenings, which are essential for early identification and treatment of PMADs, ultimately affecting patient care. Recognizing this barrier is important for healthcare providers and systems to find ways to streamline screening processes and reduce perceived costs to ensure that more individuals have access to vital mental health support during the perinatal period.