Proportion of women who had been prescribed anti-depressants or been diagnosed with depression before their pregnancy, Canada and the provinces/territories, 2006/2007

Note:
*Use with caution.

Source: CICH graphic created using data adapted from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Maternity Experiences Survey, 2006-2007. http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/rhs-ssg/pdf/tab-eng.pdf – accessed July 15, 2017.

According to the Maternity Experiences Survey (MES**), in 2006/07 almost 16% of women had been prescribed antidepressants or had been diagnosed with depression prior to their pregnancy.

That rate varied among the provinces/territories – in Nova Scotia it was 24% and in New Brunswick 20%.

The Territories and Québec had the lowest rates.

**The MES population consisted of birth mothers 15 years of age and older who had a singleton live birth in Canada during a three-month period preceding the 2006 Canadian Census of Population and who lived with their infant at the time of data collection. Using the 2006 Canadian Census, a stratified random sample of 8,244 women estimated to be eligible was identified. Of these women, 6,421 (78%) completed a 45-minute interview at five to 14 months after the birth of their baby, conducted primarily by telephone.