Depression and anxiety in perinatal period: prevalence and risk factors in an Italian sample

Abstract

Accumulating evidence suggests that pregnancy does not protect women from mental illness. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, sociodemographic correlates, and the risks factors for perinatal depression and anxiety. Five hundred ninety women between 28th and the 32nd gestational weeks were recruited and submitted to a sociodemographic, obstetric, and psychological interview. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI-Y) were also administered in antenatal period and 3 months postnatally. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I) was used to diagnose mood and anxiety disorders. Three months after delivery, EPDS was administered by telephone interview. Women with an EPDS score ≥10 were 129 in antenatal period (21.9%) and 78 in postnatal period (13.2%). During pregnancy 121 women (20.5%) were positive for STAI-Y state and 149 women (25.3%) for STAI-Y trait. The most important risk factors for antenatal depression are: foreign nationality, conflictual relationship with family and partner, and lifetime psychiatric disorders. The principal risk factors for postnatal depression are: psychiatric disorders during pregnancy and artificial reproductive techniques. Psychiatric disorders, during and preceding pregnancy, are the strongest risk factors for antenatal state and trait anxiety. Antenatal depressive and anxiety symptoms appear to be as common as postnatal symptoms. These results provide clinical direction suggesting that early identification and treatment of perinatal affective disorders is particularly relevant to avoid more serious consequences for mothers and child.

Depression in pregnancy. Prevalence and associated factors

“…This result is different from that found in a study conducted in Italy. 6 It is during the second trimester that the pregnant woman sees more tangible changes in her body. Thus, higher levels of depression in this period may be related to concerns and fear of not returning to the previous physical form and insecurity about the future of the relationship in marriage.…”

“…These effects include low birth weight, decreased Apgar score, prematurity, 5 decreased head circumference, poor development in the first year of life and suicidal ideation by the mother with attempts to self-extermination. 2,4,6 Despite of this, the occurrence of depression during prenatal care is not well known, since most research on maternal depression focus on the post-partum period. For this reason, the aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of depression during pregnancy and its associated factors.…”

A Longitudinal Study on Motherhood and Well-Being: Developmental and Clinical Implications

“…The total EPDS score ranges between 0 and 30. As suggested in recent studies (Giardinelli et al, 2011;Chaudron & Nirodi, 2010), we adopted a cut-off point of 10 in order to grant high sensitivity in the identification of both minor and major depression. As for the data obtained through the EHHI, levels of happiness and meaningfulness in each life domain were assessed at T1 and T2, separately.…”

Emotional Freedom Techniques for Reducing Anxiety and Cortisol Level in Pregnant Adolescent Primiparous

“…It indirectly contributed to maternal and infant mortality. This condition became more complex when the mother was depressed and anxious (Bowen, 2008;Giardinelli, 2012).…”