Psychological impact of pregnancy on adolescents and adults

Abstract

Aims: Based on the hypothesis that pregnant adolescents would exhibit more psychiatric symptoms than pregnant adults, our aim was to study the difference between their psychological profiles, psychiatric presentations, and associated factors, especially her relationship with her husband, and her interaction with the foetus. Method: Two groups of pregnant females, adults (age > 25) (n=90) & adolescents (age <21) (n=90), recruited from the obstetric antenatal care outpatient clinic at Cairo university hospitals, were assessed using Birmingham Interview for Maternal Mental Health, Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders, State trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, and Intimate Bond Measure. Results: 53.3% of the adults group received psychiatric diagnoses, as opposed to 37% of the adolescents’ group. The main perceived causes were poor adjustment to pregnancy, socioeconomic problems and father’s behaviour. Conclusion: Pregnant women suffer from psychiatric symptoms or disorders and do not seek professional help, regardless of their age.