Ethical considerations of screening for mental health disorders during periodic well-woman exams

Abstract

Mental health concerns, particularly depression and anxiety, are common among women of all ages. Because obstetrician/gynecologists (ob/gyns) often serve as a primary source of care for women, they are in a unique position to detect and target mental health symptoms early. In this context, we define ethics as the balance between one's competency in practice, and the need to treat patients with conditions outside of that competency. This paper discusses the ethical challenges that ob/gyns may face in identifying and treating mental health conditions due to lack of expertise, training, and experience. We also focus on the ethical considerations that favor interventions on the part of ob/gyns, and how improved training could help to resolve this ethical dilemma. In addition, the expansion of collaborative care networks may help to build continuity of care.