Related Experiment Videos
Traumatic stress in late pregnancy.
Johan Söderquist1, Klaas Wijma, Barbro Wijma
1Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Linköping University, S-58183 Linköping, Sweden. johso@imk.liu.se
Journal of Anxiety Disorders
|March 23, 2004
Summary
This study introduces "pre-traumatic stress," where anticipating a feared event like childbirth can cause symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Early pregnancy anxiety and depression are identified as risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Obstetrics
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Traumatic stress research traditionally focuses on post-event analysis.
- This study investigates the potential for traumatic stress to manifest prior to a feared event.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the concept of pre-traumatic stress in pregnant women.
- To assess the prevalence and risk factors of traumatic stress and fear of childbirth before delivery.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed 1224 women regarding background data and psychological characteristics in early pregnancy.
- Assessed traumatic stress and fear of childbirth in late pregnancy using DSM-IV criteria.
- Correlated psychological factors with reported stress and fear.
Main Results:
- 2.3% of women met full DSM-IV criteria for PTSD; 5.8% met partial criteria.
- Significant correlation found between traumatic stress and fear of childbirth.
- High trait anxiety, depression, and prior psychological issues in early pregnancy predicted later stress.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest the existence of "pre-traumatic stress" preceding a threatening event.
- Early psychological assessments can identify women at risk for childbirth-related traumatic stress.
- This research broadens the understanding of trauma manifestation and timing.