Peripartum depression and its predictors: A longitudinal observational hospital-based study

The purpose of this literature review is to explain the current practice of antepartum maternal depression screening and education. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that pregnant women be screened at least once during the antepartum phase of pregnancy by their health care provider. The fact that many women present with depression or anxiety at several time points during pregnancy suggests that only one screening during pregnancy is not enough. Antepartum and postpartum depression education is lacking within the prenatal period. This lack of education may decrease self-identification, leading to the decreased screening of pregnant women. Antepartum depression has a high probability of becoming postpartum depression, which might have significant implications for early discovery during pregnancy. These circumstances make antepartum depression one of the most under-recognized and under-treated conditions. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 58(10), 19-23].

Antidepressant-Resistant Depression in Patients With Comorbid Subclinical Hypothyroidism or High-Normal TSH Levels.

Background: Postpartum physical and emotional health remains unaddressed by researchers, clinicians and women themselves. An important factor that affects postpartum recovery is the method of delivery. The objectives of this study were to estimate the incidence of postpartum physical health problems and depression in the first three months after delivery and to identify their relationship with mode of delivery along with other factors associated with the incidence of postpartum depression (PPD).Methods: In this prospective cohort study, women were recruited from three public hospitals within 24-48 hours after delivery. Edinburgh postpartum depression scale (EPDS) and structured validated questionnaires were used. Follow-ups were conducted at 1-week and 3-months after delivery.Results: The most prevalent 3-month physical health problems were insomnia (75%), fatigue (70%), and back pain (65%). There was a high incidence of nipple pain (73%) and vaginal itch (25%) in the spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) group during the immediate (1-week) postpartum period, whereas wound pain washigher in the cesarean section (CS) group during the immediate (94%) and 3-month follow-up (55%) postpartum period. The incidence of 3-month PPD (EPDS>=12) was 28% in SVD group and 24% in CS group. There was no effect of the delivery mode on EPDS scores (p=0.59). Wanted pregnancy (OR=0.507), higher number of living children (OR=0.631), gravidity (OR=1.36), and income (OR= 0.536) were protective factors for immediate PPD.Conclusions: Postpartum physical health problems and depression are common after delivery. Health care providers should be aware of these to perform early screening and interventions to alleviate them.

Ante-partum depression (APD) is usually defined as a non-psychotic depressive episode of mild to moderate severity, beginning in or extending into pregnancy. APD has received less attention than postpartum depression. This is a cross-sectional study carried out in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OG) departments of four different general hospitals in Italy. Women attending consecutively the OG departments for their first ultrasound examination were asked to fill in the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) in its Italian validated version. We used the total scores of the EPDS as a continuous variable for univariate and linear regression analyses; in accordance with the literature, the item analysis of EPDS was carried out by classifying the sample as women with "no depression" (scores 0-9), "possible depression" (scores 10-12), "probable depression" (scores 13+) and "probable APD" (scores 15+). The number of women recruited was 1,608. The EPDS assessment classified 10.9 % of the women as possibly depressed, 8.3 % as probably depressed and 4.7 % probably affected from an APD. EPDS score distribution was associated with nationality (higher scores for foreigners), cohabitation (higher scores for women living with friends or in a community), occupation (higher scores for housewives), past episodes of depression and use of herbal drugs. Non-depressed women had significantly lower values on all ten items as compared with depressed women, however, the pattern of item distribution on the EPDS scale remained similar across depression severity groups. In all four groups item 4 (anxious depression) attained the highest scores, while item 10 (suicidality) attained the lowest scores.

Elevated hypothalamic CRH has been implicated in melancholic major depression in nonpregnant individuals, but the role of placental CRH in maternal prenatal and postpartum depression is largely unexplored. The objective of the study was to examine the association of maternal midpregnancy plasma CRH levels with prenatal and postpartum depression. The study included 800 participants in Project Viva, a pregnancy and childhood cohort. CRH levels were analyzed from blood samples obtained at mean 27.9 wk gestation (+/- 1.3 sd; range 24.6-37.4 wk) and were normalized on the logarithmic scale. Depression was assessed with the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (range 0-30 points) in midpregnancy and at 6 months postpartum. We used logistic regression to estimate the odds of scoring 13 or more points on the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale as indicative of major or minor depression. Seventy (8.8%) and 46 (7.5%) women had prenatal and postpartum depression symptoms, respectively. Mean log CRH was 4.93 (+/- 0.62 sd). After adjusting for confounders, an sd increase in log CRH was associated with nearly 50% higher odds of prenatal depression symptoms (odds ratio 1.48, 95% confidence interval 1.14-1.93). Higher CRH levels during pregnancy were unassociated with greater risk of postpartum depressive symptoms. In fact, there was a suggestion that prenatal CRH levels might be inversely associated with risk of postpartum depressive symptoms (odds ratio 0.82, 95% confidence interval 0.58-1.15). Elevated placental CRH levels in midpregnancy are positively associated with risk of prenatal depression symptoms but not postpartum depression symptoms.

Background: Antepartum depression is common complication of women during pregnancy, May affects the mother, child and family adversely with serious consequences like maternal suicide if it left untreated. To assess antepartum depression among pregnant women, a hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Bharatpur Hospital of Chitwan. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted in a tertiary level government hospital using convenient sampling method. A total of 252 pregnant women were interviewed with semi structured questionnaire including Edinburg Postpartum Depression scale (Sensitivity-68.4, Specificity -93.8) to screen for antepartum depression. Data was entered on Epi-data and further analyzed using SPSS. Results: Out of 252 respondents, 16.7 % were with antepartum depression while 83.3% recorded no antepartum depression. Loneliness (AOR= 24.96, 95% CI (2.92-213.45) and self-harm (AOR= 3.39, 95%CI (1.11-10.38) had higher odds of having antepartum depression. Conclusions and Recommendations: The study indicates that feeling of self-harm thoughts and thought of loneliness are much important for reducing the problem burden of antepartum depression which affects the health of both mother and child. So, further efforts should be considered and programs targeting health related quality of pregnant women should be incorporated in developing countries like Nepal.

BackgroundFew longitudinal studies have examined associations between risk factors during pregnancy and mental health outcomes during the postpartum period. We used a cohort study design to estimate the prevalence, incidence and correlates of significant postpartum depressive symptoms in Kenyan women.MethodsWe recruited adult women residing in an urban, resource-poor setting and attending maternal and child health clinics in two public hospitals in Nairobi, Kenya. A translated Kiswahili Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale was used to screen for depressive symptoms at baseline assessment in the 3rd trimester and follow up assessment at 6–10 weeks postpartum. Information was collected on potential demographic, psychosocial and clinical risk variables. Potential risk factors for postpartum depression were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsOut of the 171 women who were followed up at 6–10 weeks postpartum, 18.7% (95% CI: 13.3–25.5) were found to have postpartum depression using an EPDS cut off of 10. In multivariate analyses, the odds of having postpartum depression was increased more than seven-fold in the presence of conflict with partner (OR = 7.52, 95% CI: 2.65–23.13). The association between antepartum and postpartum depression was quite strong but did not reach statistical significance (OR = 3.37, 95% CI: 0.98–11.64).ConclusionsThe high prevalence of significant postnatal depressive symptoms among Kenyan women underscores the need for addressing this public health burden. Depression screening and psychosocial support interventions that address partner conflict resolution should be offered as part of maternal health care.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone is associated with differential antidepressant and anti-anhedonic response to ketamine in bipolar depression but not major depressive disorder.

Étude de l’EPDS (Échelle postnatale d’Edinburgh) chez 859 mères : dépistage des mères à risque de développer une dépression du post-partum

The aim of this study was to systematically review the impact of antepartum depression on exclusive breastfeeding. A total of 15 studies were included in the review and 12 studies were used for the meta-analysis. The mean values of antepartum depression indicated that women who breastfed exclusively between 3 and 6 months had less antepartum depression symptoms (Mean Difference = -0.55, 95% CI = -0.76 to -0.35). The analysis also showed that the existence of antepartum depression was negatively related to continuing exclusive breastfeeding for longer than 3 months postpartum as well as for 8 weeks postpartum (OR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.26-0.88 and OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.75-0.91, respectively). The cumulative evidence is conclusive that antepartum depressive symptoms are negatively associated with exclusive breastfeeding, particularly between 3 and 6 months postpartum. This review supports the necessity of screening and follow-up for depression throughout the perinatal period to promote exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months.

본 연구의 목적은 임신 여성을 대상으로 산전우울의 발생 정도와 이와 관련된 영향요인을 파악하기 위함이다. D광역시 소재 종합병원 및 산부인과 병원 외래를 방문하거나 원내 특강을 받는 160명의 임부를 연구대상으로 하였으며, 우울을 측정하기 위한 도구로 한국형 EPDS(Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale)를 사용하였다. 자료분석은 서술적 통계, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficients와 stepwise multiple regression을 사용하였다. 연구결과, 임신 여성의 우울점수는 평균 $7.80{\pm}4.86$ 점(0-30점)이었으며, 대상자의 56.3%가 정상(0-8점), 23.1%가 경계선(9-12점), 20.6%는 심각한 수준(13점 이상)인 것으로 나타났다. 임신 여성의 산전우울 영향요인으로는 주관적 건강상태, 임부스트레스, 자아존중감 순이었으며, 이 변수들은 산전우울을 36.7% 설명하는 것으로 나타났다. 따라서 산전우울을 예방하기 위해 이러한 변수들이 충분히 고려되어야 할 것으로 생각된다. 【The purpose of this study was to identify the rate and influencing factors on antepartum depression in pregnant women. A self-administered questionnaire-based study was performed in 160 pregnant women who visited outpatient clinics or attended special lectures of the general hospital in D metropolitan city. All participants were interviewed using the Korean version of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale(EPDS). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and stepwise multiple regression. On the results, the mean score of antepartum depression was $7.80{\pm}4.86$ scores(0-30 scores). The percentage of all participants for EPDS scale were 56.3% with normal level, 20.6% with a boundary line and 23.1% with serious level. Influencing factors on antepartum depression were accounted for 36.7% of the total variance which consisted of perceived health status, pregnancy stress and self esteem. The results indicate that these variables should be considered in preventing depression of pregnant women.】

BackgroundIt is estimated that 38.8% of mothers develop postpartum depression (PPD) in South Africa. While empirical evidence documents an association between intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization in pregnancy and PPD among adult women, the association has been underexamined among adolescent mothers (< 19 years). The study’s purpose is to examine whether IPV victimization during pregnancy is associated with PPD among adolescent mothers.MethodsAdolescent mothers (14–19 years) were recruited at a regional hospital’s maternity ward in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa between July 2017-April 2018. Participants completed behavioral assessments at two visits (n = 90): baseline (up to 4 weeks postpartum) and follow-up (6–9 weeks postpartum, when PPD is typically assessed). The WHO modified conflict tactics scale was used to create a binary measure of any physical and/or psychological IPV victimization that occurred during pregnancy. Participants with scores ≥ 13 on the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) were classified as having symptoms of PPD. We used a modified Poisson regression with robust standard errors to assess PPD in association with IPV victimization during pregnancy, controlling for relevant covariates.ResultsNearly one-half (47%) of adolescent mothers reported symptoms of PPD by 6–9 weeks post-delivery. Further, IPV victimization during pregnancy was highly prevalent (40%). Adolescent mothers who reported IPV victimization during pregnancy had marginally higher risk of PPD at follow-up (RR: 1.50, 95 CI: 0.97–2.31; p = 0.07). The association was strengthened and significant in covariate-adjusted analysis (RR: 1.62, 95 CI: 1.06–2.49; p = 0.03).ConclusionsPoor mental health was common among adolescent mothers, and IPV victimization during pregnancy was associated with PPD risk among adolescent mothers. Implementing IPV and PPD routine screenings during the perinatal period may aid in identifying adolescent mothers for IPV and PPD interventions and treatment. With the high prevalence of IPV and PPD in this vulnerable population and the potential negative impact on maternal and infant outcomes, interventions to reduce IPV and PPD are needed to improve adolescent mothers’ well-being and their baby’s health.

BackgroundThe birth of a child should be a time of celebration. However, for many women, childbirth represents a time of great vulnerability to becoming mentally unwell, a neglected maternal morbidity. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of early postpartum depression (PPD) and its associated risk factors among women giving birth at health facilities in southern Malawi. Identifying women vulnerable to PPD will help clinicians provide appropriately targeted interventions before discharge from the maternity ward.MethodWe conducted a nested cross-sectional study. Women were screened for early PPD using a locally validated Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) as they were discharged from the maternity ward. The prevalence of moderate or severe (EPDS ≥ 6) and severe (EPDS ≥ 9) PPD was determined, including 95% confidence intervals (CI). Data on maternal age, education and marital status, income source, religion, gravidity, and HIV status, among others, were collected during the second trimester of pregnancy, and obstetric and infant characteristics during childbirth were examined as potential risk factors for early PPD using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses.ResultsData contributed by 636 women were analysed. Of these women, 9.6% (95% CI; 7.4–12.1%) had moderate to severe early PPD using an EPDS cut-off of ≥ 6, and 3.3% (95% CI; 2.1–5.0%) had severe early PPD using an EPDS cut-off of ≥ 9. Multivariable analyses indicated that maternal anaemia at birth (aOR; 2.65, CI; 1.49–4.71, p-value; 0.001) was associated with increased risk for moderate and/or severe early PPD, while live birth outcome (aOR; 0.15, 95% CI; 0.04–0.54, p-value; 0.004), being single compared to divorced/widowed (aOR; 0.09, 95% CI; 0.02–0.55, p-value; 0.009), and lower education level (aOR; 0.36, 95% CI; 0.20–0.65, p-value; 0.001) were associated with decreased risk. Being HIV positive (aOR; 2.88, 95% CI; 1.08–7.67, p-value; 0.035) was associated with severe PPD only.ConclusionThe prevalence of early PPD was slightly lower in our selected sample compared to previous reports in Malawi and was associated with maternal anaemia at birth, non-live birth, being divorced/widowed and HIV-positive status. Therefore, health workers should screen for depressive symptoms in women who are at increased risk as they are discharged from the maternity ward for early identification and treatment.

Although postpartum depression (PPD) and non-peripartum major depressive disorder (MDD) occurring within and outside the postpartum period share many clinical characteristics, whether PPD and MDD are the same or not remains controversial. The current study was devoted to identify the shared and different neural circuits between PPD and MDD by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 77 participants (22 first-episodic drug-naïve MDD, 26 drug-naïve PPD, and 29 healthy controls (HC)). Both the PPD and MDD groups exhibited higher fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) in left temporal pole relative to the HC group; the MDD group showed specifically increased degree centrality in the right cerebellum while PPD showed specifically decreased fALFF in the left supplementary motor area and posterior middle temporal gyrus (pMTG_L), and specifically decreased functional connectivities between pMTG and precuneus and between left subgeneual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC_L) and right sgACC. Moreover, sgACC and left thalamus showed abnormal regional homogeneity of functional activities between any pair of HC, MDD, and PPD. These results provide initial evidence that PPD and MDD have common and distinct neural circuits, which may facilitate understanding the neurophysiological basis and precision treatment for PPD.

BackgroundPostpartum depression was associated with maternal suffering and diminished functioning, increased risk of marital conflict as well as adverse child outcomes. Perceived social support during pregnancy was associated with postpartum depression among women. However, its causal relationship remains unclear. Therefore, we prospectively evaluate the association between perceived social support during early pregnancy and postpartum depressive symptoms.MethodsWe prospectively examined whether perceived social support during early pregnancy affected depressive symptoms at 6 weeks postpartum in a cohort of 3310 women. Perceived social support and postpartum depression were assessed by ENRICHD Social Support Instrument (ESSI) and the postpartum Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), respectively. Prevalence of postpartum depressive symptoms was 11.4% (EPDS cutoff≥10). As a test of heterogeneity of association in subpopulations, logistic regression models were performed to analyze the association between social support and postpartum depressive symptoms in strata which were defined by the potential confounder candidates. After multiple imputation, multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the effect of social support on postpartum symptoms in individual items and total score. Two models were built. Model I adjusted for the variables associated with social support or postpartum depression and changed the association estimates by ≥10%. Model II adjusted for all variables that may be related to social support or postpartum depression.ResultsSignificant associations between low perceived social support and postpartum depressive symptoms was found(Model I odds ratio: 1.63, 95% confidence interval: 1.15, 2.30; Model II odds ratio: 1.77, 95% confidence interval: 1.24–2.52). Stratified analyses showed that there was little evidence of heterogeneity of association in subpopulations by basic characteristics of participants.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that early intervention may be able to help protect against depression symptoms at 6 weeks postpartum.