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Pre- and postnatal depression and coping: a comparative approach.
Claude de Tychey1, Elisabeth Spitz, Serge Briançon
1Clinical Psychology, GREPSA-Université Nancy 2-3 Place Godefroy de Bouilllon,54015 Nancy Cedex, France. detychey@univ-nancy2.fr
Journal of Affective Disorders
|March 23, 2005
Summary
Perinatal depression affects nearly 20% of pregnant women and 11% of new mothers, highlighting a significant public health issue. Coping styles effectively differentiate between depressed and non-depressed individuals during these periods.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal mental health
- Psychiatry
- Public health
Background:
- Perinatal depression is a significant concern affecting women during pregnancy and postpartum.
- Understanding coping styles is crucial for assessing mental well-being in mothers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of perinatal depression in French women.
- To examine the relationship between coping styles and depression during pregnancy and postpartum.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 277 French women was studied.
- Depression was measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12).
- Coping styles were assessed using Carver's BriefCope questionnaire.
Main Results:
- High rates of prenatal depression (nearly 20%) and significant rates of postnatal depression (11%) were observed.
- Distinct coping styles were identified that differentiate between depressive and non-depressive women in both prenatal and postnatal periods.
Conclusions:
- Perinatal depression represents a major public health challenge.
- Identifying risk and protective factors through coping style assessment is vital.
- The findings support the development and evaluation of targeted preventive and compensatory interventions.