P    A    N    D    S    I

Post and Antenatal Depression Support and Information Incorporated

PANDSI is a not-for-profit community service provider funded through the ACT Department of Health's Mental Health Policy Unit and is based in Australia's national capital Canberra.

PANDSI provides education, support and information for families in the ACT region who are experiencing antenatal (AND) or postnatal (PND) depression. Education to other community-based organisations and health professionals is also provided by PANDSI.

The causes of PND and AND are not known. They are real illnesses that can last from several weeks to many months, and if left untreated can persist. PND can affect up to one in four mothers with the onset usually occuring during the first year after birth, while AND affects as many as 16% of women with onset at any time during pregnancy. Approximately 1 in 500 women will experience post-partum psychosis which is a serious mental health disorder requiring immediate medical intervention.