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Psychiatric Bulletin (2006) 30: 294-297. doi: 10.1192/pb.30.8.294
© 2006 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
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Psychiatric Bulletin (2006) 30: 294-297
© 2006 The Royal College of Psychiatrists

Screening for smoking and substance misuse in pregnant women with mental illness

Nisha Shah, Specialist Registrar

North Islington Drugs Service, 592 Holloway Road, London N7 6LB, e-mail: nisha.shah{at}candi.nhs.uk

Louise Howard, Senior Lecturer in Women's Mental Health

Health Services Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, London SE5 8AF

Declaration of interest

None.

AIMS AND METHOD

Smoking and substance misuse adversely affect the outcome of pregnancy and psychiatric patients are known to smoke more than other patients. Data collected at the time of routine antenatalbooking were analysed to investigate whether pregnant women with mental health problems smoke more than other pregnant women.

RESULTS

Data were collected from156 women. Those with a psychiatric diagnosis (n=76) were significantly more likely to smoke (P<0.001). Associations were also found with illicit drug use and previous termination of pregnancy. The most common psychiatric diagnosis was depression (62%). A diagnosis of schizophrenia was not recorded for any of the women.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

The strong association between smoking and psychiatric diagnosis results in an increased risk of obstetric complications in psychiatric patients. Anti-smoking interventions might be delivered by adequately trained midwives and opportunistically during contact with mental health professionals.






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Copyright © 2006 The Royal College of Psychiatrists.