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Posttraumatic stress disorder after pregnancy loss
I M Engelhard1, M A van den Hout, A Arntz
1Department of Medical, Clinical and Experimental Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands. i.engelhard@dep.unimaas.nl
General Hospital Psychiatry
|April 21, 2001
Summary
Pregnancy loss can cause posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study found 25% of women developed PTSD one month after loss, with many experiencing depression. Symptoms often persisted for months.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Pregnancy loss is a common event.
- The psychological impact, particularly posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and persistence of PTSD following pregnancy loss.
- To examine the association between PTSD and depression after pregnancy loss.
Main Methods:
- Prospective longitudinal study of 1,370 women recruited in early pregnancy.
- 113 women experienced subsequent pregnancy loss and were assessed for PTSD and depression at one and four months post-loss.
- Utilized the Posttraumatic Symptom Scale for PTSD assessment.
Main Results:
- One month post-loss, 25% of women met PTSD criteria, with symptom severity comparable to other traumatized populations.
- Women with PTSD had a significantly higher risk of depression (34%) compared to non-cases (5%).
- At four months, PTSD prevalence decreased to 7%, with half of these cases being chronic. Depression rates remained elevated.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy loss represents a potentially traumatic event.
- Women experiencing pregnancy loss are at risk for developing PTSD and depression.
- PTSD following pregnancy loss is often immediate and can persist for several months.