United States obstetrician-gynecologists' accuracy in the simulation of diagnosing anxiety disorders and depression during pregnancy

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine obstetrician-gynecologists' diagnostic accuracy for mental health issues during pregnancy through utilization of clinical vignettes describing depressive and anxiety symptoms, as well as to explore factors associated with increased diagnostic accuracy and related practice patterns. Questionnaires were mailed to 1193 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Fellows and Junior Fellows. The response rate was 44% after three mailings. Depression was correctly identified by over 90% of respondents, whereas significantly fewer correctly diagnosed panic disorder (55%) and generalized anxiety disorder (32%). Confidence ratings significantly predicted diagnostic accuracy in some cases. Approximately half of respondents reported referring anxiety disordered patients to a mental health professional. There may be an education gap in ob-gyns' diagnostic knowledge of anxiety disorders, which may addressed by increasing physician confidence in diagnosis through increased training.