Mental Health Considerations
Women can be left feeling dismissed, with delays to adequate treatment for their NVP which can negatively impact on their mental health. Inversely those who are treated with compassion and empathy respond far better to their treatment even if their symptoms remain severe.
Patients with NVP and HG report higher rates of depression and anxiety.
For those with pre-existing mental health conditions, vomiting can result in them being unable to take their usual medications, thereby further exacerbating their prior illness.
One UK survey found that 25% of those with HG reported suicidal ideation, with 6% regularly considering suicide due to their symptoms, and the impact it has on their life.8 In the Emergency Department we have a responsibility to consider the impact NVP and HG can have on a patients mental health, and direct to appropriate services as required.