Parental stress and depression in the NICU: an analysis of psychosocial evaluations, infant factors, and stress-related salivary biomarkers

Abstract

Parents of NICU infants frequently experience psychosocial stress and depression. This prospective observational study aimed to determine (a) parental/infant risk factors for parental depression/stress and (b) associations with salivary stress biomarkers. Parents of NICU infants (predicted hospital stay >2 weeks) were eligible. Parental salivary samples and the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) and Perceived Stress Scale were obtained in week one, at six weeks, and near discharge. Results were obtained for 66 parents (36 mothers, 30 fathers) of 39 singleton infants. On initial EPDS, 21% of parents (22% of mothers, 33% of fathers) scored sufficiently high (>12) to warrant referral for support/counseling services. Elevated EPDS was associated with parental AM cortisol and infant illness severity. Self-reported stress differed between mothers and fathers. Salivary stress biomarkers, coupled with validated screening questionnaires, are useful in detecting and intervening with parents at risk for stress and depression during their infants’ NICU admission.