Perinatal and infant mental health care in Austria: Mapping of existing prevention, screening, and care services

TL;DR

This study maps perinatal and infant mental health services in Austria, revealing regional disparities and the need for a national strategy to improve access and care.

Contribution

The paper provides the first comprehensive mapping of PIMHC services in Austria, highlighting regional gaps and proposing policy recommendations.

Findings

Austria lacks a standardized nationwide PMI screening system, but offers varied services for different severity levels.

Significant regional disparities exist in access to specialized PIMHC and trained staff.

PIMHC services predominantly target mothers and involve multiple public providers and funding sources.

Abstract

Perinatal mental illness (PMI) is one of the major health problems during pregnancy and one year after birth (the perinatal period), with robust evidence of its potentially detrimental effects on the parent’s and child’s health. Many countries have prioritised perinatal and infant mental health care (PIMHC). In Austria, it is currently unknown how many services are available in which region. The paper aims to map the current PIMHC landscape.

Using publicly accessible sources, such as health reports or organisation websites and supplementary information from experts, we collected data on eight characteristics of services to prevent, early identify, treat or support parents with a PMI. We extracted the information into tables, narratively summarised the results and presented a geographical visualisation of service availability.

While there is currently no standardised nationwide systematic screening for PMI in place, there are a variety of services to support and treat parents with a PMI of different severity in Austria. However, there are large regional variations and gaps in care, particularly regarding specialised PIMHC and trained staff, leading to unequal access. PIMHC primarily addresses mothers and involves many, mostly public, providers and funding sources.

There is an urgent need to reduce the regional disparities regarding specialised PIMHC, ensuring adequate referrals and treatment and reducing inequalities in access to care. The results also call for a national strategy and defined political, administrative and service provider responsibilities based on international evidence-based recommendations. Investing in the training of staff and defined care pathways seems warranted.

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