Perinatal and infant mental health care in Austria

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.