Perinatal mental health services at the National Referral Hospital, Bhutan

Abstract

Maternal mental health is a critical determinant of both maternal and child well-being. Mental health disorders during the perinatal period have wide-ranging consequences, affecting not only the mother’s physical and psychological health but also the child’s growth, development, and long-term outcomes, as well as overall family functioning. Systematic screening during the perinatal period facilitates early identification of mental health problems and enables timely intervention, thereby improving outcomes for both mothers and their children. This paper aims to describe the maternal and child mental health screening programs and the associated mental health services available at the National Referral Hospital in Bhutan.