Psychosomatics 41:523-530, December 2000
© 2000 The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine
The Evaluation of Maternal Competency
Sudha Nair, M.D., M.P.H., and
Mary F. Morrison, M.D.
Received October 13, 1999; revised February 14, 2000; accepted May 31, 2000. From Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Address reprint requests to Dr. Morrison, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 3600 Market Street, Room 704, Philadelphia, PA 19104; e-mail mmorriso{at}mail.med.upenn.edu
There is limited discussion of maternal competency in the consultation-liaison psychiatry literature. As awareness and reporting of child abuse is increasing, maternal ability to care for newborns is more often called into question. Maternal risk factors for harm and neglect have been identified, and positive signs of maternal ability have also been recognized as important to appraise. Specific domains in the maternal competency exam should be assessed by the psychiatrist, nursing staff, social work staff, and pediatrician. The competency exam by the psychiatrist requires a sensitive and nonjudgmental inquiry into maternal behavior and thoughts. The authors present a case study of an inpatient maternal competency consultation that illustrates some of the dilemmas encountered. Future directions should include more involvement by psychiatrists in preventive efforts and interventions that focus on pregnant women at risk in prenatal clinics and in the community.
Key Words: Child Abuse • Mother-Child Relations • Mental Compentency
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