The results imply the possibility of significant untreated and/or undiagnosed psychiatric morbidity in the South-East Asian-born. They also indicate a need for further exploration of the unexpectedly high levels of psychiatric morbidity among some ethnic elderly groups, specifically the Dutch- and Italian-born. The findings demonstrate the persistence of high rates of presentation for psychotic disorders among Eastern European-born populations, many years post migration.

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore attitudes and decision-making by pregnant women regarding antidepressant and anxiolytic use during pregnancy. Method: An observational study at an outer metropolitan hospital in Brisbane, Queensland. Pregnant women presenting for their first antenatal clinic visit were invited to complete a questionnaire. Participants were asked about current or previous antidepressant/anxiolytic use, influences on drug decision-making and the adequacy of information received. Perceptions were measured on a 7-point Likert scale. Results: A total of 503 pregnant women were surveyed. The background prevalence of anxiety and depression was 30.0% (151), with 9.3% (47) respondents using antidepressant or anxiolytic medications during the current pregnancy. Of these 47 women, 68% ceased these medications during or while trying to become pregnant, most commonly due to potential side effects to the baby (16), health professional advice (8) and symptomatology that was under control (7). While the effect was modest, decision-making was most strongly influenced by general practitioners, family and the internet. Conclusions: Most women cease antidepressant/anxiolytic medication before and during pregnancy for reasons other than stability of condition. This study reveals an unmet need for accessible reliable information to guide pregnant women and their care providers.

Background Perinatal depression and/or anxiety disorders are undertreated pregnancy complications. This is partly due to low rates of engagement by women. This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to women accessing perinatal mental health services in an outer metropolitan hospital in Queensland, Australia. Methods Data was collected from pregnant women through a cross-sectional survey. Women rated the extent certain factors influenced their engagement. Respondents were separated into three groups: women who were not offered a referral to perinatal mental health services, women who were offered a referral but did not engage, and women who engaged. Results A total of 218 women participated. A response rate of 71% was achieved. 38.1% of participants did not believe themselves knowledgeable about mental illness in the perinatal period, and 14.7% did not recall being asked about their mental health during their pregnancy. Of those participants who recalled being asked about their mental health, 37.1% were offered a referral. Of these, just over a third (36.2%) accepted, and out of this group, 40% attended an appointment. Regardless of referral and engagement status, the factors identified as influencing participant engagement were time restraints, lack of childcare support, and encouragement by family and health care professionals. Stigma was not identified as a barrier. Conclusions Perinatal mental health service engagement could be improved by health services: ensuring universal screening and actively engaging women in the process: assisting with childcare; improving appointment immediacy and accessibility; and educating health care professionals about their influence on women’s engagement. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12884-019-2320-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Misophonia may be an under-recognised condition of psychiatric relevance.