Thousands of UK women have undiagnosed PTSD after childbirth each year, study finds
New research from the University of East Anglia indicates that thousands of women in the UK suffer from undiagnosed PTSD following childbirth. Experts warn that GPs often misdiagnose these cases as postnatal depression, leading to inadequate care.
Why it matters
Addressing this diagnostic gap is critical for improving maternal mental health outcomes and preventing long-term trauma and suicide risks.
Research has estimated that either 5% or 5.9% of women giving birth in the UK suffer PTSD./Science Photo Library RF Research has estimated that either 5% or 5.9% of women giving birth in the UK suffer PTSD./Science Photo Library RF Women's health Thousands of UK women have undiagnosed PTSD after childbirth each year, study finds Experts call for joined-up support through the postnatal period amid concerns GPs are not trained to spot symptoms
Prefer the Guardian on Google Thousands of UK women develop undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after childbirth every year, research has found.
The frightening and dangerous condition is being missed in at least 15,000 women a year across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and the true toll could be double that or more, according to the authors of research in a leading medical journal.
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